As the government shutdown continues, more than 923,400 Arizonans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program will not be receiving money to buy food in November.
More than 68% of SNAP participants in Arizona are families with children and almost 29% are families with members who are older adults or are disabled, according to the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities.
Community members in metro Phoenix are not waiting for the government to make changes; instead, they have decided to take matters into their own hands, from restaurants offering free meals to small businesses putting together food packages for those who need them.
Here’s a guide to restaurants, bars, small businesses and food banks providing free food, meals and essential services to those impacted by the halt in SNAP benefits.
Are we missing one? Email the reporter to tell her about it at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. This story will be updated on a regular basis.
Arizona Food Bank Network
The Arizona Food Bank Network offers a database of food banks, pantries, soup kitchens, shelters and other organizations that distribute emergency food.
You can add in your zip code and specify whether you need a food box, an onsite meal, home meals, an infant box or a food co-op box.
Other maps the Arizona Food Bank Network reccomends include:
Remember to bring your proof of residency or other identification with you and confirm hours of operation and eligibility requirements.
Details: Arizona Food Bank Network, azfoodbanks.org.
Gwen Mootz (right) and Mckenzie Schoenhardt load food and turkeys into a vehicle during the St. Mary’s Food Bank annual turkey distribution on Nov. 25, 2024, at the Knight Center Client Services Center in Phoenix.
Baked Chemistry Vegan
Baked Chemistry Vegan is a local vendor typically at the downtown and uptown Phoenix Farmer’s Markets. They provide vegan options for desserts, entrees and some gluten-free choices as well.
Emetesha Newble, creator of Baked Chemistry Vegan, made an Instagram post on Monday, Oct. 27 where she said she was introducing a pay-what-you-can meal called the Chemistry Community Plate. A wholesome, nourishing option will be available at the Uptown Phoenix Farmer’s Market every Wednesday from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. and at the Downtown Phoenix Farmer’s Market every Saturday from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. for anyone who needs it.
“I grew up in a home with a single mom and four siblings — my mom worked multiple jobs just to keep food on the table,” Newble wrote in the caption. “So when it comes to food insecurity, it’s not just something I’ve heard about … it’s something I’ve lived.”
She said if you are in a position to donate, your support could help them keep feeding and showing up for the community. You can also DM or text them if you’d like to support.
Details: Baked Chemistry Vegan, Uptown Farmers Market, 5757 N. Central Ave., Phoenix and Downtown PHX Farmers Market, 720 N. 5th St, Phoenix. 480-286-6069, bakedchemistry.com, @baked_chemistryvegan,
King Pigeon Thrift & Vintage
Located at 4739 N. Central Ave., Phoenix, King Pigeon Thrift & Vintage shared an Instagram post on Saturday, Oct. 25 with text that said “*King Pigeon* SNAPS BACK”
In the caption, the store mentioned how the USDA had the opportunity to use contingency funding to support SNAP benefits, and didn’t. They said now many people are facing food insecurity because of it.
King Pigeon Thrift & Vintage said they are doing what they can to support the community in two ways:
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They are accepting non-perishables at the shop from Oct. 25 to Nov. 1. If you donate anything, you get 10% off at the shop. If you donate 10 or more items, you will recieve a $10 gift card to use at the shop. “Use it for yourself,” the caption read. “Use it for your friend. Use it for a community member.”
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On Nov. 1, they will be holding an event starting at 9 a.m. Anyone who is impacted by the SNAP freeze, is in between checks or just doesn’t know where their next meal is coming from, can pick up a sandwich kit and choose from the non-perishables. Anything that is not taken will be donated to community fridges (fresh items) and food banks (non-perishables).
On Nov. 1, they will also have information on resources that can help until funding is restored. Salem Bakery will be there with fresh baked goods for sale.
If you’re not facing food insecurity, the caption said to still come to donate, get a sandwich kit for a friend, shop the store, buy a cookie, get info about resources to tell others or to just say hi and check in.
“Community is much more than words or who you know, it’s about action,” the post said. “Sandwich supplies are being donated by various community members and our team. We wish we could do more, but HELL, we are going to do what we can.”
They said if you cannot make it this week, or to the event, consider supporting @mutualaidphx, @azfoodbanks and @phxfnb.
Details: King Pigeon Thrift & Vintage, 4739 N. Central Ave., Phoenix. 480-219-9452, @kingpigeonthriftandvintage.
SNAP benefits: Arizona sues to keep food stamps flowing despite government shutdown
LoveBite Dumplings
Women and locally owned LoveBite Dumplings shared a picture on Instagram with SNAP written in black letters over a red background on Monday, Oct. 27.
In their caption, they mentioned how SNAP benefits are being paused in November due to a federal funding lapse, leaving millions of families without access to food support. They said, “No one should go hungry because of politics.”
LoveBite Dumplings, located at 116 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix, will be offering free meals for anyone with an EBT or SNAP card from 11 a.m.-4 p.m. from Nov. 1-Nov. 8.
“We want to make it clear: we are a small business + this will hurt us,” the post said. “But we believe now is the time to step up for our community.”
They said if you’d like to help, you can “pay it forward” at the register or just come in and get yourself a meal.
“Come by, show your community and neighbors that you care,” the post ended with.
You can also order online and bag the SNAP option to help.
Details: LoveBite Dumplings, 116 E. Roosevelt St., Phoenix. 602-314-4122, eatlovebitedumplings.com, @lovebitedumplings.
Thunderbird Lounge
The Thunderbird Lounge general manager, Marcus Rushmore, posted a video on their Instagram on Sunday, Oct. 26, stating that he has been at St. Mary’s the last couple of days volunteering and asked them what they need. He found out that what they need most is donations.
The bar, located at 710 W. Montecito Ave. in Phoenix will be having a food drive from now until December. They are asking for perishable goods, including:
“We don’t have any kind of incentives, there’s no discounts or anything like that, we’re not really trying to do a trade,” Rushmore said. “We’re just hoping that everybody wants to give to their community and folks the lines have been insane already, I can’t imagine how they’re about to be come Nov. 1. Thank you all for anybody that can give, appreciate you.”
Details: Thunderbird Lounge, 710 W. Montecito Ave., Phoenix. 602-283-4621, thunderbirdloungephx.com, @thunderbirdloungephx.
This is an ongoing list and will be updated as more local businesses and restaurants offering assistance are announced.
Do you have a tip or a question you need answered? Reach the reporter at dina.kaur@arizonarepublic.com. Follow @dina_kaur on X, formerly known as Twitter, and on Instagram @dina_kaur.
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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Phoenix restaurants and bars offering free food and meals
