Manny's Deli joins list of restaurants offering meals to SNAP holders

With uncertainty surrounding payouts of SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown, more Chicago-area restaurants are offering free meals.

Manny’s Deli on the Near West Side has joined that list, offering free family meals to individuals who show their SNAP cards beginning on Monday.

Nearly two million Illinois residents have SNAP benefits, and those payments are in flux due to the ongoing government shutdown. The Trump administration had announced that it would not pay out benefits beginning November 1, but a federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the government to utilize a contingency fund intended to continue program payments during a government shutdown.

“There is no doubt that the six billion dollars in contingency funds are appropriated funds that are without a doubt necessary to carry out the program’s operation,” Judge John McConnell said in his oral ruling. “The shutdown of the government through funding doesn’t do away with SNAP. It just does away with the funding of it. There could be no greater necessity than the prohibition across the board of funds for the program’s operations.”

With the uncertainty surrounding the program, numerous area restaurants are offering discounts or free meals to SNAP holders. You can also find information on food pantries offering meals on NBC Chicago’s website.

Manny’s Deli: 1141 South Jefferson in Chicago

According to a Facebook post, the restaurant will offer a family meal for those who show a SNAP card at their location in Chicago.

That offer will begin on Monday, according to the restaurant.

Tazza Italian Ristorante: 14065 South Bell Road in Homer Glen

Tazza Italian Ristorante is offering pasta, salad and bread on the house to those losing SNAP benefits.

“No one should go hungry! Starting November 1, and until benefits are reinstated, no family should worry where their next meal is coming from,” the restaurant said in a post on social media. “If you are losing your SNAP benefits, we are here to help.”

Show the restaurant your SNAP benefit card between 4:30 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday to be served a dine-in meal.

Wooden Paddle: Locations in Lemont, La Grange

Wooden Paddle is offering free lunch to those losing SNAP benefits at both their Lemont and La Grange restaurant locations from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. for all of November.

“Starting November 1st, if you’re losing your SNAP benefits and worried about feeding your family, free lunch is on us. Just tell the staff and show your card — they’ll know what to do,” the restaurant said in a post on social media.

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria Locations

Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria is partnering with Lawndale Community Church to provide direct meal support to families during the SNAP benefit pause, the company said in a statement Friday.

Starting Nov. 2, families facing food insecurity will receive $10 Lou Malnati’s coupons through Lawndale Community Church. The coupons will be distributed through Nov. 16, the company said, and can be redeemed for a large deep dish or thin crust pizza.

“Lawndale Community Church has been our partner for 30 years,” said Marc Malnati, owner of Lou Malnati’s Pizzeria. “With the loss of SNAP benefits impacting so many families, we want to step up and provide support. We have a long tradition of giving back to the communities we serve.”

from NBC Chicago https://ift.tt/tqd4mgp