Texas recently said no discounts for SNAP recipients who lost their benefits due to the government shutdown. El Paso restaurants are now stepping up with free offers.

“El Paso Strong” That was the mantra following the Walmart shooting in 2019. It was a bonding moment for El Pasoans and, while I think the current crisis is the dumbest bit of political posturing I’ve ever seen, one thing made me a little proud.

Proud to see that the whole “El Paso Proud” thing was real and that it is alive and well.

The government shutdown has screwed up a zillion things. Federal workers aren’t getting paid, travelers are being stranded and SNAP recipients aren’t getting their benefits among other things.

There doesn’t seem to be an easy solution in sight, (and the politicians are too busy acting like kids on a playground to try and actually find a way to end this madness), but there has been some progress.

El Paso Strong

Enter El Pasoans with more heart than political alliances. Several El Paso area restaurants are offering deals and discounts to their fellow ‘Chuco brothers and sisters who have lost their benefits.

Here’s who is doing what according to the El Paso Times. There may be others and I will update this if/when I learn more.

Special Deals For Those Missing SNAP Benefits

Click here for specific details

Aurellia’s Bottleshop and Brewhouse, 1620 N Resler is offering cheeseburgers to 1 family per day. SNAP or government ID card(s) required. They will also accept donations to fund more more meals.Weirdough’s Bakery & Cafe, 2900 N Mesa – Free sandwich for kids, parents should ask for a children’s breakfast, and their children will get an egg and cheese sandwich.Cafe Piro, 9993 Socorro Road, will give SNAP recipients a bowl of posole.Old Sheepdog Brewery, 3900 Rosa Ave., will give folks who lost their SNAP benefits or are affected by the government shutdown a breakfast burrito. One per family member, daily, during business hours. Must show a government ID or SNAP benefit card.Food City Offers Gift Cards

Food City has created the Food City Community Support Gift Card program. Funded by Food City and their customers, SNAP recipients and federal government employees affected by the government shutdown can apply for a free Food City grocery gift card.

READ MORE: More El Paso Businesses Helping Others

For SNAP recipients or federal government employees in need of support, an application is available at foodcityep.com/community-support. Those who apply will be contacted if they are approved to receive a free Food City gift card. To help more households, Food City asks that only one person per household apply for a gift card. – elpasotimes

PICS: You Know You’re in El Paso When You See…

There are so many places throughout the Borderland that as you look around you just know you’re here. Just for sharing your interpretation of “You know you’re in El Paso when you see…” you could win $1,000.

Share your vision, your humor, your admiration for what makes us unique. It could even end up in one of our “You Know you’re in El Paso when you see…” galleries.

Here are a few example of the sort of things we’re looking for, but you should definitely get creative and try to find those iconic, weird, or wonderful things that are distinctly El Paso.

Gallery Credit: KLAQ