Copyright Baton Rouge Advocate
Amid the government shutdown and loss of federal funding to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, Baton Rouge-area businesses are giving free food to affected community members. SNAP is the country's largest anti-hunger program and aids nearly 46 million people nationally and about 850,000 Louisiana citizens, but the program officially runs out of federal funding Nov. 1 as a result of the recent government shutdown. Eight states, including Louisiana, have found solutions to fund SNAP temporarily, using relief or state budget funds to cover the gap. The Louisiana Senate approved an initiative on Wednesday to reallocate $150 million from the Louisiana Department of Health and the state's Revenue Stabilization Trust Fund to fund SNAP benefits for the majority of residents enrolled in the program, but not all residents. The initiative prioritizes households with children, the elderly and disabled people. Amid uncertainty about long-term SNAP funding, these businesses are stepping up to feed Baton Rouge area residents in need. House Brew, 2678 Government St. Starting Nov. 1, this coffee shop is giving away free peanut butter and jelly sandwiches and Nutella sandwiches to those in need. House Brew Owner Manning Bergeron held assembly-line-style sandwich making events in the past to donate to community fridges. With the loss of SNAP benefits, Bergeron decided to host an event on Nov. 12 at 6 p.m. to fill House Brew's second fridge and provide free sandwiches in-store. "There's no questions asked," Bergeron said. "Anybody can come in and get it. That's part of the point — is getting people normalized with this idea that we all need a little help sometimes." Those in need can walk inside and tell an employee what they need. Those interested in helping are welcome to donate ingredients, food containers or money through Venmo (@housebrew225) or CashApp ($housebrew). "If it's something where people in the community are continuing to support and donate towards, our labor is something that's easy to give up in terms of making these," Bergeron said. Odom's Kitchen, 9431 Delcourt Ave. Odom's Kitchen, a Baton Rouge caterer, is offering heat-and-go meals to families in need, including foods like red beans and rice, chicken alfredo pasta and casseroles, according to CEO D'Andra Odom. "Our ultimate goal is to bring nourishing food — healthy, hearty food and good food to people that may be otherwise couldn't afford it," Odom said. Those interested can call Odom's Kitchen at 225-395-9821 or email them at contactus@eatwithodoms.com. Transportation accommodations may be available upon request. Donations are accepted through Venmo (@OdomsKitchen), Zelle (@eatwithodoms.com) or CashApp ($OdomsKitchen), and 100% of donations will go toward providing free meals for community members. "For as long as we're feasibly able, we're going to feed those folks that are hungry," Odom said. Chicken Salad Chick, select locations The Alabama-based franchise has over 300 locations in the United States, and select locations are giving free kids' meals until SNAP is restored, no questions asked and no purchase necessary for those dining inside. One kids' meal is available per child present. Two locations in Gonzales and Denham Springs are joining the cause: 27306 Crossing Circle Suite 270 in Denham Springs and 503 W. Hwy 30 in Gonzales.
