A growing number of local businesses are offering free or discounted meals in response to food assistance benefits being cut off during the federal government shutdown.
Benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, will not be paid in November, according to the Department of Agriculture.
That means more than 41 million recipients will be affected. Funding for the supplemental assistance program for women, children and infants, or WIC, is also threatened. The USDA reports children make up 39% of SNAP recipients.
Nearly 170,000 Mainers — 12.5% of the state’s population — receive benefits, according to the Maine Department of Health and Human Services. The average monthly SNAP benefit for a family of four in Maine is $572.
Between the ongoing shutdown, SNAP cuts included in the One Big Beautiful Bill Act passed by Congress in July, the looming lack of November food stamps, and the rising cost of groceries, hunger is on the rise, with some food banks and pantries sayingthey’re already seeing an increase in demand of between 20% and 40%.
In response, local businesses are stepping up to offer discounts or free meals for children 12 years old and younger.
Family Time Dine and Play in the Auburn Mall is giving away six large cheese pizzas a day when they are open Wednesday through Sunday, and is taking donations to help provide additional pizzas.
Owner Jeff Mitchell said they are just trying to do their part to “lessen the blow people may feel as we go into November.” He points out that furloughed federal workers and those working without getting paid may also suffer.
“We hope that we can influence other businesses to do the same,” he said in a message Tuesday. Mitchell added that they’ve since heard from other businesses offering donations so they can expand their offerings.
“We just feel that it’s the right thing to do because people shouldn’t feel powerless, and need a spark of hope in humanity,” he said.
Beginning Nov. 1, Sam’s Italians will provide a 10-inch, cheese pizza for children under 12 years old, two per family, per week, until SNAP funding is restored.
Proof of enrollment in SNAP/EBT is required, and the child must be present. All Sam’s locations are participating.
Nutty Netties Cafe on Court Street in Auburn is now providing free meals to kids, with a choice of three offerings, plus a side and a juice or water. The meals are available for pickup at 34 Court St. from 3-5 p.m.
At J&H Pizza at 539 Washington St. in Auburn, instead of its usual specials, owner Hannah Olcott posted that she is offering a 15% discount on orders for all customers during the government shutdown, and it is not limited to children.
Just-In-Time Recreation has also announced it will offer two hot dogs and fries or a grilled cheese and fries free to children until SNAP benefits are reinstated.
Owners Justin and Samantha Juray noted in their social media post: “The kindness of other businesses encouraged us to join along side and help.”
The meals are available from 4-9 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday at 24 Mollison Way in Lewiston.
Marvelous Macarons, which just reopened at 245 Center St. in Auburn, is also offering help. Owner Jenna Roberts posted Tuesday morning: “We will have bagged lunches with a juice box and some fruit. Just let us know if you want a grilled cheese or a pb and j. Just ask for a bagged lunch!”
Roberts also noted that for the month of November, Marvelous Macarons will donate a portion of proceeds to the Good Shepherd Food Bank in Auburn, the state’s largest anti-hunger organization.
