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A legendary Massachusetts restaurant is taking action to support families affected by the recent suspension of SNAP benefits, offering free meals to community members in need. BT’s Smokehouse in Sturbridge, which many say has the best barbecue in the state, has launched a weekly meal program providing free food every Tuesday until SNAP funding is restored. The initiative comes at a critical time for many area residents who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program to help feed their families. “We just felt that people shouldn’t be going hungry at the moment,” said owner Brian Treitman as staff prepared meals for distribution. Related: SNAP by the numbers: Almost a third of Mass. recipients are children Treitman explained that the program represents his desire to support the community that has supported his business throughout the years. “We’ve been supported by this community since we started and so anything we can do to give back, we’re willing to,” Treitman said. “And so we’re trying to give everybody a full meal today. Next week we’re going to try to do beef stew.” The first distribution on Tuesday demonstrated significant need in the community. According to the restaurant, they prepared 50 complete meals for the inaugural event, beginning service at 3 p.m. However, the demand proved so substantial that all meals were claimed before 5 p.m. Those seeking assistance can visit the restaurant’s back door, through the fence, any time after 3 p.m. on Tuesdays. The establishment emphasized no questions will be asked when distributing the food. The initiative comes as Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits may be disrupted for many households. More MassLive social content These perfectly preserved historic diners are hiding in plain sight in Massachusetts All’Antico Vinaio lands in Boston: Legendary Italian sandwich shop arrives with a bang Hidden gems at The Big E: Bask in the beer gardens behind the State Houses (Video) From nickel hot dogs to culinary landmark: The enduring legacy of George’s Coney Island Why New Englanders still make pilgrimages to this no-frills 1947 hot dog stand
