As American families face potential cuts to their SNAP benefits, restaurants in Seattle and Tacoma are stepping in to provide support. Beginning November 1, 2025, funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is expected to run out due to a federal government shutdown. This situation has prompted initiatives from local eateries, including Toasted Bagels & Coffee in Seattle, which has announced a program to offer free meals to families affected by these changes.
Murat Akyuz, co-founder of Toasted, shared that his family relied on SNAP benefits during his childhood, a sentiment echoed by co-founder Jaafar Akyuz. He 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 program aims to alleviate the burden on families who may feel embarrassed to seek assistance. Over the past few days, the initiative has raised over $45,000, enough to provide approximately 9,000 meals.
More than 200,000 residents in King County alone depend on SNAP benefits, with another 118,000 in Pierce County. In total, nearly one million people in Washington state benefit from the program. The urgency of this situation has led Toasted to promise that the first 100 meals will be covered by the restaurant, while subsequent meals will rely on community donations.
In Tacoma, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets is also contributing to the cause. General Manager Irving Amezcua described their similar initiative, stating that they are offering free meals, including burgers and fries, to families in need. “There’s a sense of, ‘Man, I don’t want to announce that I’m struggling,'” Amezcua noted. He emphasized the importance of creating a stigma-free environment for those seeking help.
The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing a willingness to support their neighbors. Akyuz highlighted the importance of collective action, stating, “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.”
Amezcua recounted a touching moment with a mother who appeared hesitant to accept assistance, affirming her that there was nothing to be ashamed of, reflecting the compassion embodied by these initiatives. “I’ve already teared up a couple of times,” he admitted.
These restaurant-led efforts illustrate the community’s response to a growing crisis as funding for SNAP hangs in the balance. While the shutdown’s duration remains uncertain, local businesses are determined to help mitigate the impact on families who find themselves without essential resources.
As the situation develops, both Toasted Bagels & Coffee and Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets continue to encourage donations to sustain their programs. Akyuz expressed a desire for broader support, stating, “No one should ever go hungry. Especially living in the U.S.”
The commitment of these local establishments serves as a reminder of the power of community solidarity in times of need. With the potential for SNAP benefits to be restored uncertain, the actions of these restaurants provide a vital lifeline for families facing the prospect of food insecurity.
