Ate Days (and More) of Texans Helping Texans

Due to the ongoing government shutdown and the USDA stating it had “run out of money,” SNAP benefits were halted on Nov 1, leaving many families without sufficient household groceries. Not cool. Following federal court rulings, the Trump administration confirmed it would use emergency funds to partially fund SNAP for November. These payments are expected to be roughly 50% of the normal amount. As of press time, Texans have begun to receive partial payments. With the situation constantly changing, it’s best to keep an eye on HHS.Texas.gov/services/food/snap-food-benefits for the most current info.

Meanwhile, Texans are doing what Texans always do: helping one another. Many restaurants are offering free meals, plus the area is flush with food banks of all sorts. Here are some resources to consider if you’re in need.

Restaurant Deals

On weekdays, Beacon Cafe 287 (12721 Hwy 287 North, Fort Worth, 817-809-8606) is offering a free smiley face pancake to children of families affected by the SNAP pause with proof of SNAP benefits.

Biundo’s Pizzeria (104 W Second St, Venus, BiundosPizza.com) is offering one 10-inch cheese pizza per family on Tuesdays in November with proof of SNAP, a valid ID, and at least one child present.

Boo-Rays of New Orleans (5728 Boat Club Rd, Fort Worth, 817-236-6149) believes that no child should go hungry and has committed to providing one free kid’s meal for children 12 and under with the purchase of an adult entree now (dine-in only) until SNAP benefits are restored for Texans.

Chicken Salad Chick locations in Tarrant County, including the three in Fort Worth (ChickenSaladChick.com/Locations), are also providing free kid’s meals until SNAP benefits are restored to Texans. It is limited to one kid’s meal per each child present, dine-in only. No purchase necessary, no questions asked. The locations will also accept donations to the Tarrant Area Food Bank.

El Primo’s Mexican Grill & Cantina (2300 Matlock Rd, Ste 21, Mansfield) is providing free meal kits for children. “With the ongoing government shutdown, we know times are tough for many families,” El Primo’s said. “We’re also challenging our fellow local restaurants and businesses, if they’re able, to join us in supporting the families who need it the most.” The kits are available for pickup 4pm-6pm on Mondays in November at the valet stand. On Saturdays in November, El Primo’s is hosting a food and toy drive 9am-11am. All donations will go directly to local food banks and Toys for Tots. (Note: All food items must be nonperishable and unexpired.)

Kokitos (6708 Camp Bowie Blvd, Fort Worth, 817-732-2820) is offering free nachos and a small agua fresca for kids on Wednesdays.

Marquez Bakery & Tortilla Factory (1730 E Division St, Arlington) is offering a free meal for kids, limited to one meal per child present. No purchase necessary and can be dine-in or to-go, no questions asked.

If you have friends who work at DFW International Airport, let them know that TGI Friday’s, whose three remaining North Texas locations are all inside the airport, can help. Now thru Thu, Nov 20, families can receive one free kid’s meal with each adult entree purchase. After the 20th, the company said, the offer will continue every Tuesday until the end of the year. The offer is only for dining in, and guests must present a valid EBT card.

Two of the Taco Casas within our circulation area, including Cleburne (1669 W Henderson St, 817-556-0991) and Weatherford (919 S Main St, 817-598-0036) are currently offering free kid’s meals for families in need, regardless of their SNAP status.

Grocery Resources

Speaking of Weatherford, discount grocer Town Talk Foods has a location there at 106 College Park Dr (817-438-8099), and they can really help you stretch your food dollars and benefits, once you get them back. (Yes, they do accept SNAP/EBT.) The original store is still open in Fort Worth (121 N Beach St, Fort Worth, 817-831-6136), plus the business opened a third location a while back in Arlington (2320 S Collins St, 817-435-2300).

There are also many organizations running free food pantries. Start with the Tarrant Area Food Bank. Along with hosting their own events, they act as a clearing house for where to find what. At TAFB.org, under the “Find Food” drop-down, you will find a food map, instructions on applying for food benefits, and information about TAFB’s home delivery, senior boxes, and farmers’ market programs. If you are fortunate enough not to need any of the above, please consider helping your neighbors by helping TAFB. Networking allows them to provide five meals for every $1 you donate.

When people are having trouble even feeding their kids, the household pets are also affected. That’s where Don’t Forget to Feed Me (DF2FM) comes in. The pet food pantry’s mission is to provide pet food to local agencies in support of pet owners while also educating the public about pet food insecurity. By providing pet food for those in need during challenging financial times through a network of partners, DF2FM offers an alternative to surrendering — or worse, abandoning — a family pet. If you need pet food, visit DontForgetToFeedMe.org/get-help.

The full amounts of SNAP benefits could take weeks or months to be paid, depending on how long the government remains shut down. Benefits are expected to be released between now and Nov 28 in a staggered manner, with those who were first to miss their benefits receiving them first. According to the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, the state will continue issuing benefits on this staggered schedule until it can “catch up” to its normal payment schedule.