Seattle and Tacoma Restaurants Provide Free Meals Amid SNAP Crisis

As uncertainty looms over the future of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), restaurants in Seattle and Tacoma are stepping up to support families in need. With funding for SNAP benefits expected to cease on November 1, 2025, local establishments such as Toasted Bagels & Coffee and Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets are offering free meals to those affected.

The co-founder of Toasted Bagels & Coffee, Murat Akyuz, shared that his own family benefited from SNAP in the past. “My family relied on SNAP benefits. Jaafar’s, our co-founder, family relied on SNAP benefits when we were young,” he said. This personal connection drives the restaurant’s commitment to help others facing similar hardships.

Emergency Response to SNAP Funding Crisis

With over 200,000 people in King County and 118,000 people in Pierce County relying on SNAP, nearly one million individuals in Washington state could be impacted by the funding interruption. Following the federal government’s announcement, Akyuz initiated a ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ program that offers free meals to local families who find themselves without their monthly aid.

“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,” Akyuz explained. The program has garnered significant community support, raising over $45,000 in just four days, which is estimated to provide around 9,000 meals.

As the restaurant continues to provide free meals, Akyuz is also encouraging patrons to donate to local food banks to further assist those in need, emphasizing the importance of community solidarity. “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,” he added.

A Broader Community Initiative

In Tacoma, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets is implementing a similar initiative. General Manager Irving Amezcua stated that the restaurant will offer free meals including burgers, fries, and apples to local families. Their aim is to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help. “There’s a sense of, ‘Man, I don’t want to announce that I’m struggling,’” Amezcua said. “So saying, ‘put it on my neighbor’s tab,’ it’s an easier way for them not to feel so shamed.”

Amezcua shared a touching story about a mother who hesitated to accept the offer of free food. “I kind of pulled her off to the side and said there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he recounted, reflecting on the emotional impact of these outreach efforts. He expressed his commitment to ensuring that all proceeds from the restaurant benefit those facing food insecurity.

As the clock ticks toward the potential SNAP funding lapse, initiatives like those from Toasted Bagels & Coffee and Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets serve as vital lifelines for families in the region. The supportive actions of these restaurants underline a broader community response during a challenging time, demonstrating that even in difficult circumstances, compassion and solidarity prevail.