San Antonio's Backyard on Broadway giving away hundreds of free meals to SNAP recipients

Backyard on Broadway, a family-friendly establishment on Broadway, is giving away hundreds of meals to those in need. Credit: Courtesy / Backyard on Broadway

A downtown San Antonio eatery is stepping up to provide hundreds of free meals to families in need amid federal SNAP cuts.

Backyard on Broadway, a laidback spot offering pub grub, sports on TV and a large outdoor play area, will provide 300 complete meal packages to those who show up with a SNAP card and a matching photo ID. The meal distribution event will run 5:30-8 p.m. this Tuesday at the restaurant’s location at 2411 Broadway Street.

“When families in our community are struggling to put food on the table, we can’t just stand by,” said chef-owner Ohio Crawford in an emailed statement. “We call ourselves a family-friendly restaurant, and that has to mean something. If we can’t support families in times of need, then those are just empty words.”

Each family will receive a large pizza made from scratch, a family-size shareable salad, cookies, a gallon of Red Fassionola Lemonade, bottled water and assorted canned goods, according to details shred by the restaurant.

Crawford said he felt compelled to do something because the SNAP — or “food stamp” — restrictions hit close to home.

“My team has friends and family members who are directly affected by food insecurity. We take care of our staff, and now we want to take care of the families who need it most. No one should have to choose between feeding their kids and paying their bills.”

SNAP recipients hoping to receive a free meal at Backyard on Broadway Tuesday night can register online.

Credit: Courtesy / Backyard on Broadway