Massachusetts Restaurants Help to Feed Community Amid SNAP Benefits Disruptions

Dozens of Massachusetts restaurants have rallied to offer aid to their communities as the Trump administration agreed on Monday, Nov. 3, to pay part of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.

Alfredo's Italian Kitchen in Lynn will give free large cheese pizzas to those affected. 

"Starting this Tuesday, people can just walk in or call, and we're going to give a free large cheese pizza," owner Thayer Demaidi said in a statement shared with CBS News Boston. "Just walk in, show your card, no questions asked."

In Wellesley, Alta Strada is joining a Charles River Regional Chamber initiative, along with more than 20 restaurants, to support food pantries during the government shutdown.

From now until Nov. 26, participating restaurants will donate up to 25% of their gift card sales to Spoonfuls, a Newton-based food recovery nonprofit, through an initiative called "Give Cards Give Back."

"During the pandemic, folks went to restaurants and got takeout to help them, and they've been supportive of them," said Greg Reibman, president of the Charles River Regional Chamber, in a statement shared with CBS News Boston. "I know our restaurant owners felt very passionately about being able to help people. They understand food. They understand how important it is to the lives of people."

Look for a complete list of participating restaurants and more information on how to support the initiative on the Charles River Regional Chamber website.