As the federal government shutdown looms, American families are facing a critical shortage of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. Restaurants in Seattle and Tacoma are stepping in to help those affected by this uncertainty by providing free meals.
Toasted Bagels & Coffee, located in Seattle, has taken the initiative to support local families struggling with the impending loss of their SNAP benefits, which are expected to be depleted starting on November 1, 2025. Co-founder Murat Akyuz shared that his own family once depended on SNAP, making this cause personally significant.
The Trump administration has stated it cannot legally allocate contingency funds for SNAP benefits, which are intended for disaster relief. President Trump remarked, “I have instructed our lawyers to ask the Court to clarify how we can legally fund SNAP as soon as possible.” In King County, over 200,000 residents rely on SNAP, while another 118,000 in Pierce County depend on the program. Overall, nearly one million individuals in Washington State are beneficiaries of SNAP.
In response to this pressing issue, Toasted Bagels has implemented a ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ program. Inspired by a similar initiative from a café in Portland, the program offers free meals, including bagels and drinks, to families who can no longer access their monthly assistance. Akyuz explained, “If they just say, ‘Hey, can I put this order on my neighbor’s tab?’ No questions asked, we will provide them the meal for free.” The restaurant has committed to covering the first 100 free meals, after which it will depend on community donations to sustain this effort.
Following their initial social media outreach, the response has been overwhelmingly positive. Over the past four days, the ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ program has raised more than $45,000, enough to serve approximately 9,000 people. Akyuz expressed gratitude for the community’s support, saying, “It’s just so awesome to see that people are looking out for their neighbor when the systems that we’ve built around us aren’t.”
In Tacoma, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets shares a similar mission, offering free meals to families facing food insecurity. General Manager Irving Amezcua emphasized the importance of maintaining dignity for those who may feel embarrassed to request help. “There’s a sense of, ‘Man, I don’t want to announce that I’m struggling,’” he explained. The ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ approach allows families to access meals without stigma.
Amezcua recounted a touching moment with a family who came in for assistance. He reassured the mother, telling her, “There’s nothing to be ashamed of.” All proceeds from Radnor’s will directly support individuals facing hunger, regardless of when SNAP benefits might be reinstated.
The community’s response to both initiatives highlights the resilience and compassion that can emerge during challenging times. Local residents are encouraged to contribute to these programs or directly support local food banks to help those in need navigate this difficult period.
With uncertainty surrounding SNAP funding, the actions of Toasted Bagels & Coffee and Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets serve as a reminder of the power of community support in times of crisis.
