As the federal government remains shut down, the future of those with SNAP benefits (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) is uncertain. The recent news comes from an article published today from The Washington Post, stating that the current administration has decided to “release enough funds to pay for half of November’s SNAP benefits, following a court order to avoid food insecurity for nearly 42 million Americans.”
For those in Kansas City who may be concerned about food access, our city’s restaurants and chefs are responding. Here is a guide to local restaurants and food businesses throughout the metro offering meals, discounts and food drives to support the community through the disruption.
If you are aware of any restaurants (this list is specific to restaurants) not listed here, please feel free to email me at tyler@kansascitymag.com.
Jalapenos Brookside (6318 Brookside Plaza, KCMO, jalapenosbrookside.com)
During November, Jalapenos will give a free kids’ taco, burrito or enchilada to anyone who presents a SNAP card at the time of payment. Once presented with the card, the Jalapenos employee will take the kids’ meal off the bill.
Dolce Caffè (435 S Parker St, Olathe, KS, dolcecaffeus.com)
Dolce Caffè announced that as of November 1, it will offer free “Kindness Breakfasts” to anyone in need. Customers can simply ask their barista for a Kindness Breakfast, no questions asked. Also, all tip proceeds in November will go toward funding more free meals for neighbors in need.
Aurora Cafe & Bakery (7101 College Blvd Suite 101, Overland Park, KS, auroracafebakery.com)
Known for their incredible artisan conchas, Aurora Cafe & Bakery owners Javier and Kerrianne Nuñez will be donating $2 to Harvesters for every pink concha they sell.
Mariscos Playa & Mezcal (4601 Shawnee Dr, KCK, playaymezcalmexicanseafood.com)
Mariscos Playa & Mezcal announced on its social media that they will be offering a free meal to anyone who needs it, no questions asked. “All we ask is that you visit us and ask from heart to heart,” the post states.
Lilly’s Cantina (900 Southwest Blvd, KCMO, lillyscantinakc.com)
Kids can eat free at Lilly’s all month long. The restaurant is also accepting donations to continue free kids’ meals. Call 816-652-8444 to make a donation.
Café Cà Phê (916 E. 5th St., KCMO, cafecaphe.com)
Columbus Park’s Vietnamese coffeehouse has partnered with Harvesters and is collecting nonperishable goods until November 30. Drop off your nonperishables at the shop. Donate one item, receive 1% off your drink. Donate up to 10 items, receive 10% off your drink.
Check out Café Cà Phê’s Instagram post to see what items are most needed.
PeachTree Cafeteria (peachtreecafeteria.com)
PeachTree Cafeteria is offering free kids’ meals for customers dining in both its KC locations (6800 Eastwood Trafficway and 2128 E. 12th St.). The restaurant is also accepting donations. Call or text 816-969-0768 or email peachtreecafeteriainfo@gmail.com to donate.
Ate 1 Six Food Truck (ate1six.com)
Ate 1 Six, a barbecue food truck, is offering free kids’ meals until SNAP benefits are restored.
Nour’s (3855 Warwick Blvd., KCMO, nourskc.com)
Nour’s in Midtown is coordinating with food pantries around the metro for weekly pick-ups until November 26. Drop off your donations at Nour’s between the hours of 9 am to 9 pm.
The Campground (1531 Genessee St., KCMO, thecampgroundkc.com)
The Campground in the West Bottoms is hosting a drink competition, the Ramos Rumble, in collaboration with Kanbe’s Markets on Monday, November 10. $25 entry fee for contestants, and $5 for guests at the door.
All proceeds help to fight food insecurity. To keep updated on more details, and for those interested in competing, follow The Campground’s Instagram, @thecampgroundkc.
The Book Club (5735 Johnson Dr., Mission, KS, bookclubkc.com)
The Book Club in Mission is offering The Toasty, a grilled cheese sandwich made with house-baked bread, cheddar and provolone, for free, every day from 2 pm to 6 pm.
“No questions asked, no proof of need, no strings attached,” their Instagram post states. “You can take it to go or enjoy it here at The Book Club. If it feels easier, you can even just show the “One Toasty Please” slide from this post, and that’s why it’s there.”
Strip’s Chicken & Brewing (stripschicken.com)
All three Strip’s locations are offering a free breakfast buffet all month long, 11 am to 1 pm, dine-in only.
“No purchase require, no catch. Just come hungry and enjoy,” states the Facebook post. Buffet may include chicken strips, chicken nuggets, cheesy street corn, fries, onion rings, chips, queso, fountain drinks, tea and cranberry lemonade.
Thelma’s Kitchen (3101 Troost Ave., KCMO, thelmaskitchen.org)
Kids can eat free at Troost’s nonprofit community cafe, Thelma’s Kitchen, no questions asked.
Rincón Tarasco Mexican Restaurant (7534 Raytown Rd., Raytown, MO, orderrincontarascomexicanrestauarant.com)
Rincón Tarasco is offering free meals, according to a Facebook post, no questions asked.
