As the federal government shutdown disrupts SNAP (FoodShare) benefits, thousands of Wisconsin families are facing new uncertainty about how to put food on the table. But our community is stepping up. Across Dane County and beyond, local food pantries, meal programs, and mutual aid efforts are working hard to fill the gap.
If you or someone you know is experiencing food insecurity, help is available right now — no questions asked. Below you’ll find a list of trusted local resources offering free groceries, meals, and support for individuals and families affected by the SNAP interruption. Together, we can make sure no one in our community goes hungry.
Willy Street Co-op will be increasing the maximum Double Dollars earnable from $20 to $40 and additionally any amount over $5 spent will get one bonus Double Dollar voucher. For more information visit the link in https://www.willystreet.coop/community/double-dollars
Nov. 5th at Dane Co Farmers Market-SNAP customers receive $20 in Double Dollars, REGARDLESS of current balance (no matching requirement). Visit the Information booth from 8:30am-1pm with your card and they will provide you with $20 in Double Dollars.
7th Annual FREE Community Thanksgiving at The Lab (Nov. 27)-Offering and celebrating community, diversity, and good food. We’ll be opening the taproom to all who choose to celebrate. You’re welcome if you are on your own or your group needs a home. The taproom will be open from 1:00-7:00pm with food being served from 3:00-5:00pm. Please reserve a ticket on our Eventbrite page. If you register, and then your plans change, please remember to unregister so someone else can take your slot! https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1758182885339?aff=oddtdtcreator
Baked Wings & Things-providing 50 free lunches at Noon, everyday until SNAP benefits are reinstated. First come first served. 20 State St., Madison.
El Wiscorican-Puerto Rican Cuisine Food Truck-Pay what you can for your meal, follow for location updates: www.facebook.com/elwiscorican
First Congregational United Church of Christ-Thanksgiving Meal Delivery or Pickup-Nov. 27-A free traditional meal of turkey, vegetables, potatoes & gravy, stuffing, rolls and pie will be offered on Thursday, Nov. 27 only from 12-3pm. RSVP required by 3pm Thursday Nov. 20. Call 608-233-9751 or visit firstcongMadison.org to order
Flavors Events and Catering-FREE Taco Meal for Our Community! Open to anyone in need or simply in need of a good meal and good company. No questions, no judgments — just kindness, community, and great food. We believe everyone deserves to share a meal with dignity, so come enjoy freshly made tacos, sides, and smiles. Whether you’re struggling, between paychecks, or just want to connect with others, this meal is for you. Please order at https://www.flavorseventstyling.com/shop. Click on the taco dinner link. Orders will be taken until sold out.
GR’s Sandwich Shoppe-Free hot dog or Grilled Cheese with chips or fries for kids Under 12
HY-VEE-Starting today, all Hy-Vee stores with hot-food service will be offering FREE kids meal for ages 12 and under!
Anyone older can get the meal for just $3, and it’s available for dine-in AND to-go.
The meal changes each day
Monday, Nov. 3: Baked Potato with Pulled Pork
Tuesday, Nov. 4: Spaghetti with Meat Sauce, Salad and Garlic Bread
Wednesday, Nov. 5: Chicken and Noodles with Mashed Potatoes
Thursday, Nov. 6: Chili and a Cinnamon Roll
Friday, Nov. 7: Sesame or Orange Chicken Rice Bowl
ABLE TO HELP: Hy-Vee is also selling food bank donation bundles. For $5 or $10, customers can buy a bag filled with items needed by food banks. Hy-Vee will deliver purchased bags to local food pantries daily
Icki Sticki-Offering 1 Meal and 1 bottle of water per person (offering a “Pay it Forward” board)
Just Veggiez-Children eat FREE, starting Nov.1 until SNAP benefits are restored. Any child visiting can receive 1 free Hotdog kid’s meal per visit (dine-in only), no purchase necessary.
Killer Mane Salon (Sun Prairie)-For the REST OF THE YEAR-offering free haircuts to anyone in need with their apprentices. No questions asked, reach out to salon through phone or email to book appointments.
Lasagna Love-Able to request a handmade pan of lasagna every 30 days, https://lasagnalove.org/request-a-meal/
Ollies-Pay what you can! Meals available Tuesday-Thursday for dine-in. Choice of Roast chicken with mashed potatoes and herbed carrots, smoked tofu with mashed potatoes amd herbed carrots, Mac n Cheese, or butter noodles. If you would like to support their pay it forward program, you can also just contribute to it without purchasing a meal. Visit www.olliesmadison.com
Poke Mi-Throughout the month of November, they created an affordable low-price menu to help ease the burden.
Sunshine Place (Sun Prairie)-Free meals Monday from 5-6pm, and soups provided by Salvatore’s Tomato Pies
Taco Johns-offering a free meal to anyone who needs it! Ask for the “Community Special” which is a bean or beef burrito along with an order of Potato Oles for anyone in need-no questions asked.
UW-Office of Sustainability-Fighting Food Waste with FREE FOOD ALERT! Free Food Alert is an innovative notification system that alerts voluntary subscribers when free food is available on campus. The system is intended to address food insecurity, enrich community building, help your personal finance goals, and reduce food waste. Download the Free Food Alert app on the Apple App Store or Google Play. Simply make an account with your wisc.edu email and you are automatically signed up for notifications! Whenever there is a giveaway on campus, you’ll know!
Check out this amazing website of loving neighbors willing to help with groceries:
Related Posts
