Jacksonville restaurants are pitching in to help families struggling as SNAP benefit funding runs dry during the federal government shutdown.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — With SNAP benefits on hold starting Nov. 1 because of the federal government shutdown, restaurants along the First Coast are stepping up to help families in need. Some local eateries are offering free meals to children who rely on food stamps.

Maschall’s Kitchen, a family-run Afghan restaurant on Jacksonville’s Southside, is among those pitching in. Owner Syed Hashimi opened the restaurant six months ago in honor of his father.

“My dad passed away 2.5 years ago, and I’m starting this restaurant as a tribute to him,” Hashimi said. “We treat everybody like the guests are at home.”

Like many local businesses, Hashimi says the economic strain of the shutdown has affected his orders.

“I usually get a lot of orders, but I see a decrease,” he said.

Despite the challenges, Hashimi remains committed to helping the community. He offers free meals for children and welcomes those who may be struggling.

“People are starving,” he said.

In response to the SNAP benefit freeze, DoorDash has launched an emergency food response, pledging to deliver one million free meals through food banks nationwide and waive delivery fees for 300,000 SNAP recipients’ grocery orders this November.

Businesses like Donatos Pizza are also offering discounts, including 75% off any pizza for Florida EBT card holders.

Meanwhile, Pie Heaven Bakery Café in Atlantic Beach near Naval Station Mayport is providing free chicken pot pies to military families affected by the shutdown.

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For Hashimi, giving back is personal.

“My parents owned businesses here since ’84,” he said. “We’ve lived here for over 40 years. We’re fortunate enough to be here in Jacksonville. We don’t have a lot to give, but what we have, we give it to our community.”

If your business is offering help to those impacted by the shutdown we would love to hear from you.

We have two ways to get in touch with us. You can either email us at news@firstcoastnews.com or text the number 904-633-2402.