With the government shutdown still in effect, November marks an uncertain time for millions of Americans as SNAP loses its funding and many face the loss of their food stamp benefits. To help Philadelphians in need, some area businesses are doing what they can to bring food to families’ tables and aid people who are struggling.
Weavers Way is launching the Cooperative Food Fund to help ensure that all members have access to healthy food. As a release notes, the Co-op will seed the fund with $5,000 and invite donations from members and the community. The fund will provide up to $50 per individual or $125 per family per week, depending on donations raised. Eligible Co-op members who receive SNAP, WIC, or TANF benefits can sign up through the Co-op’s membership department to receive proceeds loaded weekly onto their Co-op house accounts for use at checkout.
Donations from the community will be accepted at the Co-op’s four stores and market and through the organization’s website. The release also notes that approximately 800 Co-op member households currently receive SNAP or other forms of government assistance. The Co-op also welcomes non-member shoppers enrolled in these programs to join for just $5 per year through the Food For All program, which reduces equity requirements and provides a 15% daily discount.
cooperativefoodfund.square.site
The brand will be offering three free pretzels to anyone with a SNAP or WIC card during the shutdown.
816 Washington Ave., centercitypretzel.com
Owners Kevin Hart and Timothy Judge have decided to do what they can for those in need of assistance during the shutdown, and will be offering a weekly breakfast or dinner casserole (or both) promotion to anyone who needs it. Orders should be placed by 5 p.m. on Thursdays by emailing Kevin@KevinHartCatering.com.
The casseroles will be available for pick up at The Hart of Catering Café on Saturdays between 9 and 11 a.m. The first round of dishes will be available on Saturday, Nov. 8.
The duo says there will be no questions asked, and casserole ingredients will vary week-to-week. Note that dietary restrictions cannot be accommodated, as Hart and Judge expect to be producing hundreds of casseroles each week during this crisis.
2101 Sansom St., kevinhartcatering.com
Beginning Nov. 1, all kids eat for free (or pay what you can) at Chef Jennifer Zavala’s popular East Passyunk spot. That includes two street tacos or a quesadilla, chips, rice, beans and one churro. Juana will also be offering its Homie Menu (available for walk-ins) daily until SNAP benefits come back. The menu features $3 street tacos, $4 frijoles ranchero, a $5 bean and cheese burrito, a $10 Big Juan Burger with fries, $5 chips & queso, $4 plantains, or two hot dogs for just $3.
1941 E Passyunk Ave., juana-tamale.square.site
The popular delivery brand that got its start in Philadelphia is offering $50 off groceries (broken into two $25 credits during the month of November) and free delivery for SNAP recipients during this time. Instructions on how to sign up can be found online.
Starting Tuesday (Nov. 4), this Ambler restaurant will offer free meals to families that can show an EBT or WIC card at the beginning of their meal to their server while dining in. Tips for servers have been covered by donations. As the restaurant says, they are planning to continue to offer meals on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays as long as the government is shut down. Note that they are open on Thanksgiving; however, the SNAP meals will not be available that day (due to the busy holiday).
1032 N Bethlehem Pike., springhousetavern.com
For those who can make it to Cherry Hill, this New Jersey bagel brand is offering free bagels at the end of the day (Wednesday through Sundays) between 12:50 and 1 p.m. (no questions asked.) The shop is also open on Tuesdays, but will be utilizing that day to donate to local food pantries. As the brand says, the bagels freeze well so anyone can stock up as needed.
1426 NJ-70, Cherry Hill Township, NJ, facebook.com/kabagels
To find a list of SNAP alternative food pantries and options, locals can visit public.flourish.studio/visualisation
