Community Food Resources Amid the Government Shutdown

As you may already be aware, the ongoing government shutdown has made it increasingly likely that both the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) — formerly known as the Food Stamp Program — and the Women, Infants & Children (WIC) Program will face lapses in funding this November.

This means that individuals already enrolled in these programs can still use their current benefits, but no new funds will be released on November 1st. Please continue to monitor your preferred news sources for updates on this developing situation.

We recognize how distressing this uncertainty can feel. To help our community prepare, we’ve compiled a list of trusted food access resources that may be helpful during this time.

Food Access Resources

WhyHunger

📞 Call or text 1-800-5-HUNGRY or 1-800-548-6479
WhyHunger’s Hotline and Food Database connect people across the U.S. with food pantries, soup kitchens, and grassroots organizations. Services are available in English, Spanish, and French.

Little Free Pantry

A grassroots, community-led network of mini pantries offering free food locally. Visit their site to find a map of pantries near you — or start one in your neighborhood.

Hunger Free America

📞 English: 1-866-348-6479 | Español: 1-877-842-6273 | Text: 914-342-7744
Hunger Free America operates the National Hunger Hotline, connecting callers to food resources through both phone and text.

Feeding America

A nationwide network of food banks, pantries, and meal programs. Use their Find Your Local Food Bank tool to search by ZIP code for nearby locations.

Findhelp.org

An easy-to-use search engine for local aid, including food, housing, and financial assistance. Enter your ZIP code and select “Food” to see local programs.

211

Dial 211 to speak directly with a trained service professional about food, shelter, and financial help. You can also find your local 211 online to text or chat digitally.

Bay Area Restaurants Supporting SNAP Recipients in November

Several local restaurants are offering free or discounted meals this month for individuals and families affected by the SNAP benefit lapse. Please bring your SNAP/EBT card and valid ID, and note age limits, meal quantities, and dates where listed.

Acapulco Kitchen (Pacifica)

📍 1522 Francisco Blvd., Pacifica, CA 94044
📅 Mondays – Nov 3, 10, 17, 24 | 6 PM – 11 PM at Winters Tavern
🍔 Free cheeseburger for SNAP card holders (must present Food Stamps Card + ID).
⚠️ Limit: 100 burgers each Monday.

Tony & Alba’s Pizza and Pasta (San Jose)

📍 3137 Stevens Creek Blvd., San Jose, CA
🕓 Tues–Thu 10:30 AM–8:30 PM | Fri–Sat 10:30 AM–9 PM | Sun 12:30–8:30 PM
👧 Free kids’ meals (ages 15 and under): cheese or pepperoni pizza or penne pasta with meat or marinara sauce, plus carrots, fruit & a drink.
👪 Parents: 25% off meals with SNAP card; child must be present.

Shrimp’n Ain’t Eazy (San Jose)

📍 Location varies — check Instagram for updates.
🌯 Starting November: Free chicken & rice burrito + drink for kids 16 and under (show SNAP card and ID).
👪 Parents receive meal discounts.
⚠️ Limit: Up to 5 burritos per family per week.

Monster Pho (Oakland)

📍 360 40th St., Oakland, CA
🕓 Wed–Sun 11 AM–8 PM
🍜 Free pho (beef, chicken or vegetable) for kids 12 and under with SNAP card.
👪 Parents receive 25% off, no purchase necessary for kids.
🎁 Kids will also be signed up for Monster Pho’s Christmas Toy Drive.

Understory (Oakland)

📍 3340 International Blvd., Oakland, CA
🕓 Tues 9 AM–12 PM | Wed–Fri 9 AM–2 PM & 5–9 PM | Sat–Sun 11 AM–3 PM
🥣 Pay-what-you-can menu — nobody turned away.
Current dish: Suam na Mais (a vegan, gluten-free corn soup with ginger, garlic, mushrooms, and greens).

Puerto Rican Street Cuisine (Oakland)

📍 1430 23rd Ave., Oakland, CA
🕓 Tue–Sat 12–8 PM | Sun 12–6 PM
🍽️ $6 kids’ meals for SNAP recipients (12 & under).
Includes mini empanada (chicken, beef, or jackfruit), arroz con gandules or stewed beans, fried plantains, and water.

Al Pastor Papi (San Francisco)

📍 232 O’Farrell St., San Francisco, CA
🕓 Tues–Sat 11 AM–8 PM
🌯 Up to 4 free burritos per family per week (bean & rice or chicken), plus water.
Must present SNAP card + ID.

Rusty Ladle (San Francisco)

📍 3645 Lawton St., San Francisco, CA 94122
🕓 Wed, Thu & Sun 12–8 PM | Fri–Sat 12–9 PM
🌭 Free kids’ meal (12 & under): tomato or chicken soup cup/bowl or hotdog.
👪 Parents: 25% off their own order (any soup, sandwich, hotdog, non-alcoholic drink).
⚠️ Limit: 1 free meal per child and 1 discount per adult each week.
Must show SNAP Card + ID, and child must be present.

Devil’s Teeth Baking Co. (San Francisco)

📍 3876 Noriega St. | 3619 Balboa St. | 1 Embarcadero Center
🕓 Noriega & Embarcadero locations open daily 7 AM–4 PM | Balboa Mon–Fri 7 AM–2 PM, Sat–Sun 7 AM–4 PM
🥪 Free regular or special breakfast sandwiches for SNAP recipients (up to 4 per week).
Show SNAP card + ID at any location.
📞 Noriega: (415) 683-5533 | Balboa: (628) 280-1974

Tacos El Patron (San Francisco)

📍 1500 S. Van Ness Ave. #100, San Francisco, CA 94110
🕓 10 AM – 10 PM Daily
🌮 Free kids’ meals for families receiving SNAP benefits (1 meal per child). Kids must be present and accompanied by parent with SNAP card and ID.

OG Tacos (Concord & Antioch)

📍 Epidemic Ales: 150 Mason Circle Ste J, Concord | Antioch Farmers Market (3rd & I Sts.)
🕓 Concord: Tue 4–8:30 PM | Fri 4–9 PM | Antioch: Sat 9 AM–2 PM
🌮 Free tacos dorados for SNAP recipients (up to 3 meals per family). Show SNAP card + ID.

Cochi’s Kitchen (Morgan Hill)

📍 435 Vineyard Blvd., Morgan Hill, CA 95037
🕓 Wed–Mon 8 AM–2 PM | Lunch served daily, breakfast Fri–Sun
🍳 With purchase, kids eat free (1 meal per day) when parent shows SNAP card and ID.

Ongoing Support and Community Input

If you have questions or know of additional resources not yet mentioned, please reach out and share your suggestions.

Together, we can help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry during this difficult time.