Need food assistance? Here’s helpful information

Summer Justice,
Food Assistance Info

The USDA announced that November SNAP benefits would not be issued because the federal government shutdown has depleted contingency funds, leaving millions of families wondering where their next meal will come from. The Trump Administration has been ordered to pay out SNAP funding using contingency funding. It’s unclear how much, or when families will get the funds. While some states, like Colorado, are stepping up to help, others aren’t. Recipients’ existing EBT cards will continue to work. Once funding resumes, missed November benefits will be issued retroactively. Until then, we’ve put together this list of resources and places giving free meals for you, and places to donate to.

  • 211 Colorado: Not just for food assistance, 211 Colorado is a free service connecting people to vital resources across the state no matter where you live in Colorado.
  • Care & Share Food Bank of Southern Colorado: Your $25 donation can feed up to 63 families. You can also drop by with non-perishables. If you need assistance, use their food finder to find a food bank near you.
  • Visit Feeding America: Go to Feeding America’s website where you can enter your ZIP code to find a local food bank near you.
  • Check Colorado.gov: Information on food banks, food pantries, and other emergency food solutions. 
  • Sunnyside Market: Sunny Side Market is a network of local food pantries owned and operated by Care and Share Food Bank. All of the food they provide is free of charge, and served in a warm, dignified, and respectful shopping experience. They have locations in Colorado Springs and Pueblo.
  • Mt. Carmel Veterans Service Center– helps veterans and their families with so many programs. One is a food distribution program.
  • Use DoorDash: DoorDash announced it is launching a nationwide emergency food response, with the federal government shutdown impacting food aid. The company plans on delivering one million free meals through food banks. It is also waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 SNAP recipient grocery orders.

In need of a free meal? Here are local places in Colorado Springs and surrounding area offering free meals to either Government employees and their families, and those on SNAP.

  • Poor Richard’s Restaurant is offering free meals and drinks to federal employees and their family members. The program hopes to help any employees who have been recently furloughed, laid off, or are working without pay. Poor Richard’s says that people can come in with their families once a week for a comped meal. All they need to do is bring their government ID.
  • Heart of Jerusalem Cafe in Colorado Springs is offering free meals for children until SNAP benefits are restored. The owner said all children who eat at the restaurant eat free, no questions asked. They have three locations in Colorado Springs. Children must be present and eat in the dining room, and guests are asked to limit one kids’ meal per child.
  • Chicken Salad Chick  is also offering free meals for kids. They have three locations in Colorado Springs. Children must be present and eat in the dining room, and guests are asked to limit one kids’ meal per child.
  • Roosters Grille and Pizzaria in Calhan, said  kids will receive a free kids’ meal until SNAP benefits are restored. Children must be present and eat in the dining room, and guests are asked to limit one kids’ meal per child.
  • Sandy’s Restaurant says “All kids in need eat free, just ask and we’ve got ya.” Government workers and SNAP recipients have the option to take a pre selected meal to go.
  • Ranch Foods Direct is offering families on SNAP 1 lb. of 80% lean ground beef per visit to their locations at 4635 Town Center Dr. and 1228 E. Fillmore St in Colorado Springs Monday-Saturday 8a-6p. No purchase necessary, in-store only.
  • My Bargain Mart is a neighborhood discount grocery store offering foods at low prices. They offer basic chickens at a dollar a pound and beef between $2 to $4 a pound. Bread starts at .99 per loaf, and they have created specials like a deal on Sloppy Joe mix and buns, which can make 8-12 sandwiches for just $2.50. The store also offers a 10% discount for seniors and military personnel, and accepts SNAP and EBT payments. It is located at 2833 E. Fountain Blvd in Colorado Springs.

Here are some resources for those living in Pueblo:

We found a couple of local Pueblo businesses ready to help with meals.

  • 1129 Spirits & Eatery says they will Wednesday in November, from 11 AM to 9 PM, we’re giving away up to 129 free meals — no questions asked. Come as you are and choose from: Hamburger & Chips, Corn Dog & Chips, House Salad, Bowl of Green Chili & Tortillas, or Grilled Cheese & Chips.
  • Cactus Flower said through the month of NOVEMBER, kids 12 & under eat FREE- one kids’ meal with purchase of each adult entrée, Wednesday through Sunday!

This page will be updated as much as possible with other helpful information. If you have a tip, or know a restaurant helping out, you can contact Summer Justice-News and PSA Director.

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