Seattle and Tacoma Eateries Provide Free Meals Amid SNAP Uncertainty

Families in Seattle and Tacoma face growing uncertainty as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) nears a funding shortfall, prompting local restaurants to step up. Starting on November 1, 2025, the food assistance program is expected to run out of funding due to a federal government shutdown, leaving many without crucial support.

Murat Akyuz, co-founder of Toasted Bagels & Coffee, expressed deep concern for families impacted by this potential crisis. He shared that his own family relied on SNAP benefits in their youth. “My family relied on SNAP benefits. Jaafar’s, our co-founder, family relied on SNAP benefits when we were young,” Akyuz noted. In response to this looming issue, Toasted Bagels & Coffee is offering free meals to local families who are now facing a loss of monthly aid.

The urgency of the situation is underscored by statistics: over 200,000 people in King County and approximately 118,000 individuals in Pierce County depend on SNAP benefits. Overall, nearly one million people in Washington state rely on this program for support.

Toasted Bagels & Coffee, inspired by a similar initiative in Portland, has launched a program where customers can ask to place their order on a “neighbor’s tab.” “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 café has committed to covering the first 100 meals, after which it will depend on community donations to continue providing assistance.

The response has been overwhelming, with the first social media post about the initiative raising over $45,000 in just four days. This amount is estimated to be enough to serve approximately 9,000 individuals. “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,” Akyuz said.

Meanwhile, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets in Tacoma has adopted a similar approach, offering free meals including burgers, fries, and apples to families affected by the SNAP cuts. General Manager Irving Amezcua highlighted the importance of minimizing stigma. “There’s a sense of, ‘Man, I don’t want to announce that I’m struggling.’ So saying, ‘put it on my neighbor’s tab,’ it’s an easier way for them not to feel so shamed,” he explained.

Amezcua shared a personal encounter with a family in need, illustrating the impact of these initiatives. “We had a family come in, and you could tell the mom was very unsure of how to do this stuff, and I kind of pulled her off to the side and said there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he recounted.

This community-driven response comes at a critical time as the future of SNAP remains uncertain. With many families relying on this program, local businesses are stepping in to bridge the gap and ensure that no one goes hungry. Both Toasted Bagels & Coffee and Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets are committed to supporting their communities as they navigate these challenging times.

As the situation evolves, community members are encouraged to contribute to local food banks and support initiatives like the “Neighbor’s Tab” programs at both restaurants, reaffirming that during times of crisis, collective action can make a significant difference.