These Raleigh-area restaurants are offering free food for families on SNAP
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Local restaurants and bakeries offer free meals and bread to SNAP holders.
- DoorDash waives fees and commits 1M meal deliveries through food-bank partners.
- Recipients must show EBT or ID at sites; programs run with limited time.
A few Triangle restaurants are stepping up to help families put food on the table while the government shutdown drags on.
Earlier this month, thousands of North Carolinians experienced delays in SNAP benefits, though partial payments are expected to resume early next week, The News & Observer reported.
At the same time, many federal employees, from TSA agents to law enforcement officers and military personnel, are continuing to work without pay, The N&O reported.
To ease the burden, a number of local restaurants are offering free meals for those waiting on paychecks or delayed benefits.
Did we miss any? Let us know at ask@newsobserver.com.
Triangle restaurants offering free food during shutdown, SNAP cuts
The Brass Tap
- Where: 16 N. West St, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Hours: Monday-Thursday ,11:30 a.m.-11 p.m. ;Fridays from 11:30 a.m-midnight; Saturdays from 10 a.m.-midnight, and Sundays from 10 a.m.-11 p.m.
- The Brass Tap is offering free food to federal workers not receiving paychecks and to families waiting on SNAP benefits, The N&O’s reporting partner ABC11 reported.
Cheeni
- Where: 202 Corcoran St Suite 100, Durham, NC 27701
- Hours: Sunday-Thursday from 5-9 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays from 4-10 p.m.
- Cheeni is offering hot meals to anyone who needs them during the month of November, according to an Instagram post from the restaurant. Just walk in and ask for the Daily Special.
Guglhupf
- Where: 2706 Durham-Chapel Hill Blvd, Durham, NC 27707 and 1800 E Franklin St, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
- Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Thursday, 7:30 a.m.-6 p.m.; Friday-Saturday, 8 a.m.-9 p.m.; Sunday 9 a.m.-3 p.m.
- Beginning Nov. 1, the restaurant and bakery will start offering a free loaf of bread to anyone who shows their EBT card in person. The offer is only available during normal business hours.
V Pizza, Flour & Barrel, La Taqueria
- Where: V Pizza, 1389 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27511 and 7930 Skyland Ridge Pkwy, Raleigh, NC 27617
- Where: Flour & Barrel, 400 W North St Suite 120, Raleigh, NC 27603
- Where: La Taqueria by Katsuji, 900 Park Offices Dr, Durham, NC 27709
- Hours: Vary for each location.
- Anyone with an active SNAP card and a photo ID can stop by Flour & Barrel, La Taqueria, or either V Pizza location once a week and walk out with a free dinner, the company said on Facebook.
How to save on DoorDash
At the beginning of the month, DoorDash launched an Emergency Food Response amid the SNAP funding pause, which includes delivering 1 million free meals through 300+ food-bank partners and waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients at participating stores.
To take advantage of the grocery-fee waiver:
- Link a valid SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account.
- Order from a qualifying retailer via the DoorDash app
- Use promo code SNAPDD during checkout.
There is a limit of one eligible order per customer, and the offer runs through November.
Do you or a loved one need help?
Check out our story on where to get help, including food assistance hotlines, food pantries and nonprofit information for Wake County and the surrounding areas.
For mental health resources during these uncertain times, check out the News & Observer’s mental health resource guide, which features information about immediate help during a mental health crisis, as well as help for LGBTQ+ people, people of color, children and families, people with disabilities and people experiencing homelessness.
Want to help?
Check out the N&O’s guide to food banks in the Triangle to find out more about how you can donate.
Inspired by a story from the Fort Worth Star-Telegram in Texas.
This story was originally published November 7, 2025 at 11:34 AM with the headline "These Raleigh-area restaurants are offering free food for families on SNAP."
