These MA Restaurants And Organizations Are Stepping Up For Those Impacted By SNAP Freeze: Cheap Eats

MASSACHUSETTS — Federal food aid won't be sent out to families who receive the benefits in November, government officials announced this week.

It's tragic timing for families across Massachusetts, who not only rely on those benefits for daily food needs, but, this month, were likely relying on them for holiday meals.

• Gov. Healey Blasts Looming SNAP Benefit Cutoff, Plans For Contingencies
• MA SNAP Benefits Won't Go Out In November, Officials Confirm

As is typical in times like this (make of that statement what you will), neighbors and local businesses step up to help fill the gaps.

This column is called "Cheap Eats," where we try to highlight meal deals throughout the week that can save locals a little coin as they're moving about their lives. The title perhaps feels a little awkward this week, given the subject matter of the column, but we're hopeful we can still provide some help in connecting people to deals and resources they need.

American Flatbread

Beginning Nov. 1, and for the duration of the government shutdown, anyone can show a SNAP card and receive one free small Medicine Wheel pizza at American Flatbread locations in Worcester, Brighton, and Rockport, Maine.

The offer is for takeout only and allows one pizza per party, per day, subject to availability, officials said.

Takeout orders can be placed in person or over the phone, but this offer does not apply to orders placed via delivery apps, officials said.

Blacker's Bakeshop

The Newton bakery has received an outpouring of support after announcing a community table initiative, which will see a free bread table pop up outside the restaurant on Wednesday evenings and Sunday afternoons starting this weekend.

After patrons flooded the business with a sea of questions about how they can help, Blacker's later announced what is essentially a pay-it-forward program officials are calling "Sponsor a Challah," offering businessgoers the chance to purchase a challah that will go on the community table the next Wednesday or Sunday.

Summer Shack

Summer Shack Cambridge and the Cambridge Community Center food pantry have launched a month-long community donation effort to help meet increasing demand.

Throughout the month of November, guests dining at Summer Shack Cambridge will have the opportunity to add a donation to their bill in the amount of $1, $3, $5, or a custom amount.

The restaurant will also collect non-perishable food items on-site, to be delivered directly to the Food Pantry along with all funds raised.

r4 Technologies

The company r4 Technologies has committed to donate 10,000 pounds of fresh fruit and vegetables to Massachusetts food recovery organizations, state officials said this week.

Businesses with surplus food and hunger relief organizations in need of food can register and list themselves on MassGrown Exchange. This free service allows users to list as available or post a need for wholesale-level products, services or equipment.

Kinfolks BBQ

The Taunton barbecue restaurant is offering $6 meals on Monday and, according to a WPRI report, will offer free meals to those who can't afford them.