These restaurants are offering free food with SNAP benefits in limbo

With the federal government still in the midst of a shutdown, benefits for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, the nation’s largest food aid program, are in flux.

The program’s fate was mired in uncertainty late Friday, after two federal judges ruled that the Trump administration must use emergency reserves to keep SNAP going.

While the program remains in limbo, several local restaurants, food trucks and markets stepped up to the plate to feed their communities if benefits go away. Here are some of the offerings from Twin Cities-area businesses, which could be subject to change depending on what happens with SNAP. Know of one that’s not listed? Please put it in the comments.

From 2 to 4 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, those facing hardship can swing in for one free fried rice per family. The restaurant is also holding a drive for nonperishable food items and personal essentials for the Minnehaha Food Shelf with neighboring business Arya Cafe. 4010 E. 46th St., Mpls., asianduck.site

Until Nov. 15, anyone in need can stop by this Laotian eatery between noon and 3 p.m. for a hot, fresh meal of a chicken katsu rice plate — no questions asked. 74 Snelling Av., St. Paul, bigislandpoke.com

The Burnsville cafe is holding a free community chili night on Nov. 5 from 5:30 to 7 p.m. They’ll be serving chicken chili, veggie chili, cornbread, soda, milk and plain waffles and eggs for kids 12 and under. Sign up here. 411 Burnsville Pkwy. W., Burnsville, facebook.com/buzzcoffeeandcafe

Colonial Market is offering kids free meals and adult EBT card holders $3 meals in its restaurants at the back of the grocery stores. 2100 E. Lake St., Mpls.; 8100 31st Av. S., Mpls., colonialrestaurantmn.com

Until SNAP benefits are restored, this food truck is offering community meals every Wednesday and Friday from 3 to 8 p.m., when families can pick up a free hot meal from their kitchen. Sign up by messaging Eggroll Queen through Facebook with the subject EQ Meals, and let them know how many people you’re feeding and when you plan to pick up your meals. Donations and volunteers are welcome. 85 County Road B E., Little Canada. Find their Facebook page here.

Kids and families can get a free cheeseburger or hamburger at this food truck. Just ask for the kids’ meal. Garillers is also accepting donations of cash or hot dogs and hamburger buns. Follow the Lakeville food truck on Instagram to track their location.

Starting Monday, any family in need can come to Hope Breakfast Bar in St. Paul between 7 and 9 a.m. and pick up hot, fresh pancakes to take home — no questions asked. 1 S. Leech St., St. Paul, hopebreakfast.com

On Nov. 6 from 2 to 6 p.m., the owners of this Stillwater spot will be giving away free quarts of homemade chicken soup. 302 S. Main St., Stillwater, howardsbar.com

On Tuesdays starting Nov. 4 at the Hastings restaurant, children can order off the kids’ menu and adults can order spaghetti or fettuccine Alfredo. Just show your SNAP card and a matching ID. 101 E. 2nd St., Hastings, lockanddameatery.com

This pair of St. Paul restaurants will offer free kids’ meals Mondays through Wednesdays while SNAP benefits are suspended. Be sure to bring your SNAP card and photo ID. 492 Hamline Av. S., St. Paul, crnook.com; 995 W. 7th St., St. Paul, crshamrocks.com

Beginning Monday, this Columbia Heights pizzeria will have pizza slices, salads and cheese bread available for those who ask. They also have a dedicated account for those who want to contribute. Find more information on their social media. 4045 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, orderpizzaman.com

This location of the pizzeria is offering a “Kids School Pizza Deal” — an 8-inch cheese pizza — for carryout, no questions asked, until SNAP benefits are restored. “We do have a daily limit, but frankly we hope to ignore it and do the best we can,” they said on their Facebook page. 2744 Douglas Dr. N., Crystal, crystalpizzaman.com

The Mall of America hotel is offering free, warm pot pies on Mondays from Nov. 10 through Dec. 1. Chicken and vegetarian pot pies will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. for individuals and families who typically rely on SNAP. There will be 50 available for pickup at FireLake Grill House & Cocktail host stand, 2100 Killebrew Dr., Bloomington. Check out their social media at @radissonblumoa each Monday for updates on remaining pies.

Those in the Twin Cities metro who have lost SNAP benefits and have kids under 16 with celiac or non-celiac wheat sensitivities can reach out to Randy for fresh and frozen pizzas (pick-up only). Call 651-335-3353 or email randy@randyspizza.com. 6030 N. 50th St., Oakdale, randyspizza.com

Surly’s Beer Hall will offer free kids’ meals Nov. 4-6 between 3 and 6 p.m. Stop in and mentions “kids special” — one item per child each day for dine-in only. Open to all families. 520 Malcolm Av. SE., Mpls., surlybrewing.com

Order a “Whiskey Creek Meal” at the Cottage Grove food truck window and get a free pork family pack, no questions asked. That includes 1½ pounds of pulled pork, two medium sides, cornbread and buns. Find them at 8690 E. Point Douglas Road S., Cottage Grove; check their social media for the latest updates on food truck locations.

Starting Monday, those in need can stop by this Columbia Heights shop between 2 and 4 p.m. for a free warm waffle — no questions asked. 4200 Central Av. NE., Columbia Heights, instagram.com/yummybites_mn

BEYOND FOOD

The Minnesota Children’s Museum offers free admission through November to families enrolled in SNAP. Families must provide proof of eligibility with an EBT card, WIC card or National School Lunch Program letter. Free tickets can be obtained at mcm.org/all-play or at the museum box office. The museum provides this benefit through the “All Play” program, which offers discounted museum admission and memberships to qualifying participants. 10 W. 7th St., St. Paul, mcm.org