SNAP Meals: Where To Eat, No Questions Asked, During the Suspension of SNAP

A number of restaurants, cafes, and food carts in the Portland area are providing what we are calling “SNAP Meals”: They’re stepping up and helping feed folks who will lose their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, AKA food stamps) benefits starting in November. It is heartening to see this community effort and the generosity in our local food scene. We’ve put together a list of places people can access food to eat while SNAP benefits are unfunded starting next month.

Originally this roundup was going to be a part of this week’s Small Bites column. But it became clear that it deserved its own place. We hope it will be a helpful resource for those who are on SNAP and facing an uncertain future with food insecurity.

AG Burrito Shops

“With so many Oregonians facing interruptions to their SNAP assistance, this partnership will provide free meals—no questions asked, and with dignity—to anyone impacted.”

Multiple locations (details)

Barbur Brews

“We are offering one free house blend oats per day, per person in need. Just ask for “Community Oats” at the window and the barista will make you a warm 12oz cup of oatmeal no questions asked.”

7365 SW Barbur Blvd, Portland

Cafe Olli

“While our government is taking away SNAP benefits from 42 million Americans, we wanted to highlight our community meal option for folks experiencing food insecurity and or financial hardship. No questions asked, anyone may ask for a sliding scale community meal.”

3925 NE MLK Jr Blvd, Portland

Creekside BBQ

“With SNAP not being funded for some insane reason, we would like to offer anyone in the community who needs it a hot meal. Just stop in and ask for the shutdown special. No questions asked, and definitely no judgement.”

910 NE Tenney Road, Suite 119, Vancouver, WA

DB Dessert Company

“In light of the nationwide loss of SNAP benefits and in the spirit of our city and community, DB Dessert Company will be giving out free fresh baked loaves of bread starting November 1st. No questions asked.”

2624 NE Alberta Street, Portland

El Sombrero Tapatio

“Starting November 1st, If you need a hand, swing by our front desk and ask for the Snap Meal Takeout. Just like Abuelita (Grandma) said, ‘where one eats, five can eat'” Be sure to specify chicken or beef.

10820 NE Sandy Blvd, Portland

Geek Easy Anime Cafe

“Offering The Otaku Special—a free ham & cheese or mixed greens wrap, plus coffee or iced tea, no questions asked. Just come up to the counter and say “Otaku Special.”

310 NW Davis Street, Portland

Grassa

“Until the program is fully funded again, we’ll make sure no child goes hungry, show your SNAP card, and any child in your group eats a kids’ pasta on us!”

Multiple locations (details)

Heretic Coffee

They have gotten a lot of press for their fundraising, which has garnered an outstanding response. Breakfast is on them for SNAP recipients and if you want to donate, you can do it here.

5120 SE 28th Avenue, Portland

Hollywood Farmers Market

“Take what you need, give what you can FREE FOOD PANTRY at the market! As many of you now know, SNAP and EBT will not be distributed until the government shut down ends, putting around 750,000 Oregonians at risk of food insecurity. For all of November, HFM will host a free food pantry at the market next to our information booth. The booth will be based on an honor system and anyone who needs to bridge a financial gap is welcome to shop from the offerings.”

4420 NE Hancock Street, Portland

Laughing Planet

“If you and your family are losing your SNAP benefits, we are here to help. Lunch or dinner is on us. Just ask for “ADULT SNAP” or “KIDS SNAP MEAL” or both. Our staff will take it from there. No proof needed. No questions asked. All Laughing Planet locations are participating.”

Multiple locations (details)

Legacy Coffee Company

“Starting November 1st we will provide free sack lunches. These are intended for those who are losing their SNAP benefits. Each sack lunch will have a PB&J, Chips/Vegetable Pouch, and Juice Box. You will be able to take as many as you need. Every day we will make fresh sandwiches, and more will be made as we need them.”

112 N Main Avenue, Gresham

Mama Chow’s Kitchen

Those who lose their SNAP benefits can stop by the cart and say “PANS” for a meal.

3757 SE Hawthorne Blvd, Portland

Miristata

“Starting November 1, Mirisata will offer a FREE Community Bowl to anyone who presents an EBT card. This offer has no cap and we aim to run it until SNAP benefits are restored.”

2420 SE Belmont Street, Portland

Nan’s Taqueria

Text them at 971-218-3175 if you need a meal for you or your family.

15640 SE Happy Valley Town Center Drive, Happy Valley

Oregon City Farmers Market

“The Oregon City Farmers Market is prepared to offer our SNAP customers 20.00 in tokens to spend on EBT approved foods. In addition, Double Up Food Bucks will be available, even for those with a zero balance.”

Between S Beavercreek Road and Green Lot #1, Clairmont Drive, N Douglas Loop, Oregon City

Pizzeria Stellina

“Starting Nov 1, our food cart at The Heist will be offering a SNAP Rollo (AKA Pepperoni Calzone). If you or anyone you know is losing their SNAP benefits we are here to feed you, no questions asked. We will have a ‘PAY IT FORWARD’ button on our POS If anyone would like to donate a calzone, please come in by the cart!”

8000 SE 13th Avenue, Portland

Red Sauce Pizza

“Beginning Nov 1st we will have frozen kids pizzas available for those with children losing snap benefits. These will be available no questions asked via our online ordering. Details will be live beginning on Saturday.” And if you want to Venmo donations, you can to redsaucepizzapdx on Venmo.

4641 NE Fremont Street, Portland

Salvi PDX

“For the entire month of November, if your family has been affected by these SNAP changes, please come in and enjoy free pupusitas. No questions, no judgment just a warm meal and a reminder that this community cares about you.”

2030 SE 7th Avenue, Portland

The Pharmacy PDX

“If you or someone you know has lost their SNAP benefits and is concerned about meals, we are giving away meals every week until the situation is resolved. This week we are making chicken enchiladas. To reserve a meal, please email ThePharmacyPDX@gmail.com between now and 8am Saturday and let us know how many people you are feeding. We will take care of the rest.”

2100 NW Glisan Street, Portland

Additional Hunger Resources To Support

These local places have been working to feed people for some time and are worth knowing about—and donating to, if you are moved to do so.

Meals On Us PDX

“501(c)(3) nonprofit providing healthy, chef-curated meals for those who need them most, at no charge to them.” Here’s their Linktree.

Lift UP

“Lift UP reduces hunger and improves the lives of low-income residents in Northwest and Downtown Portland through healthy food and community.” Here are links to their resources.

PDX Free Fridges

Their motto is “Take what you need, leave what you can.” Find them on this map.

Equitable Giving Circle

“We’re a Black led org, all about economic change. We’re feeding Black families with food from BIPOC farms.” You can donate here.

Milk Crate Kitchen

“Grassroots. Overcoming barriers to food security cooking & delivering family meals to those in need, no cost, no questions asked. We rescue food too!” You can donate here.

Speaking of rescuing food, here’s the Freegan Map. Our article from April on food waste may also be helpful.