UPDATE: In a critical move to support furloughed federal workers, Maryland restaurants are stepping up with free meals and discounts amid the ongoing government shutdown. With approximately 230,000 federal employees in the state, the impact is being felt deeply as many face food insecurity.
Maryland’s efforts come as the federal government shutdown enters its fourth week. As of November 1, benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will halt, affecting over 40 million Americans. This makes the availability of free meals even more urgent for those struggling to make ends meet.
Several local eateries have launched initiatives to provide support. Here’s where furloughed workers can find a meal:
Blowfish Poke in Clarksville and Marriottsville is offering **free bowls** filled with chicken, crab salad, or tofu. Customers simply need to show a federal ID. Owner Jennie Kwon expressed her commitment to helping her community, stating, “It really hit me that people who are furloughed… they really don’t know where their next meal could be coming from.”
At Ekiben, located in Fells Point, Hampden, and South Baltimore, furloughed workers can receive a **free meal** with no questions asked. Co-founder Ephrem Abebe emphasized the importance of supporting local federal employees, saying, “We recognize a lot of them are our customers, and we think it’s important to help them out in their time of need.”
Rasa, with locations in Rockville, D.C., and Virginia, is offering a special “shutdown bowl” for just **$10**. Workers can choose between a chicken or vegetarian option. Co-founder Sahil Rahman expressed enthusiasm for assisting the community during this challenging time.
In Columbia, Eataliano Market and Deli is granting furloughed workers a **20% discount** on their meals when showing a government ID. The establishment highlighted the significance of community support during tough times.
With 14 locations across Maryland, honeygrow is providing **20% off** meals to furloughed workers who present a government ID at checkout. Their motto, “Politics might be sticky — your noodz shouldn’t be,” reflects a commitment to assist during this crisis.
Lastly, Thompson Restaurants, which operates over **70 locations** in the DMV area, is offering a **20% discount** on in-store bills for federal employees. “This one is for you Government Employees, we are here to support you during this time,” they stated in an Instagram post.
For those in need, the Bmore Community Food Network is also providing emergency food resources, with 17 fridges stocked by volunteers across Baltimore. Furthermore, there are **66 locations** available for community resources addressing food insecurity.
The urgency of these offers cannot be overstated. As the government shutdown continues, it is crucial for furloughed workers to take advantage of these resources. Share this information to help those in need find meals and support during this difficult period.
