Western New York Restaurant Offering Free Meals For Kids

Thousands of families in Western New York are waiting on pins and needles to see if the Federal Government will come together and reopen for business. Many families could lose their SNAP benefits if the government doesn't reopen, and that means many kids in Western New York could lose out on food.

Western New York Restaurant Offering Free Meals For Kids

One local restaurant announced on social media that it will be offering free meals to kids who are affected by the loss of SNAP benefits. They said in the post, it is not about politics but helping out kids who can't help themselves.

What Are SNAP Benefits?

SNAP, otherwise known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, is a federal program that provides financial assistance to be used for food to low-income individuals and families. The benefits are given to those who qualify through an Electronic Benefits Transfer card, which can be used to purchase food at participating grocery stores.

READ MORE: HOW TO USE FOOD BANKS IN WESTERN NEW YORK

The SNAP program is the largest anti-hunger program in the United States. The EBT cards are reloaded electronically each month, and with the government shutdown still active, those cards will not be reloaded on Saturday, November 1st.

Nearly 3 million people in New York State receive SNAP benefits each month. That is nearly 15% of everyone living in the state.

If you need assistance with food during the government shutdown, you can utilize local food banks and restaurants like the one above to help keep food on the table for your kids.