BATON ROUGE — As the federal government shutdown stretches into another week, thousands of Louisiana families are feeling the effects, especially those relying on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). With benefits delayed or uncertain, several Baton Rouge–area restaurants and businesses are stepping up to make sure no child or family goes hungry.
Across the Capital Region, a growing number of local eateries are offering free meals, food drives, and community events to fill the gap left by stalled government assistance.
“No Kids Go Hungry” Week: Jabby’s Pizza & Albina’s Catering
Jabby’s Pizza and Albina’s Catering are leading the charge with their new initiative, “No Kids Go Hungry Week.” Beginning Tuesday, November 4, all Jabby’s Pizza locations will offer a free cheese pizza to families who show a SNAP benefits card.
For co-owner Albina Brahimi, the mission is deeply personal. A refugee from Kosovo, Brahimi says she knows what it feels like to be hungry.
“I remember a time when young kids came to us asking for food,” she said. “My mother made me turn them away because we didn’t have enough food. I made a decision then that if there were ever a time I could feed people, I would never miss that opportunity again.”
Now, years later, Brahimi is keeping that promise in her adopted home of Louisiana.
“If these families come and show their SNAP cards, they’ll get a free pizza on us,” she said. “No kids go hungry on our watch.”
The free meal program will run through the week at all Jabby’s Pizza locations in Baton Rouge (Highland Road), Prairieville (Highway 73), and in Thibodaux.
Brahimi hopes their act of kindness will inspire others:
“This isn’t about politics. It’s about people. Families right here in our community don’t know where their next meal is coming from — and that’s not okay.”
Toups & Co. Launches Community Table Food Drive
When Toups & Co., a Baton Rouge–based company, heard that thousands of Louisiana families could lose access to SNAP benefits, founder Beverly Toups said she knew she had to act.
“Louisiana families are facing the possibility of having empty shelves and empty tables,” Toups said. “With the holidays coming, that was weighing on my heart.”
Toups and paralegal Emily Quigley created the Toups & Co. Community Table, a one-time food drive aimed at helping families before Thanksgiving.
Donations of canned goods, boxed meals, and protein-rich foods are being accepted at 17320 Manchac Acres Rd. in Prairieville, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The group plans to distribute food to local families in need before Thanksgiving.
“We want to make sure people can still gather around the table and make the memories they deserve to make,” Toups said.
MORE: State threatens furloughs as federal shutdown impacts SNAP funding
Kamal’s Kafe: “We’re Filling In for the Government”
In a heartfelt social media post, Kamal Zaher, owner of Kamal’s Kafe, announced that kids eat free until SNAP benefits are reinstated.
“We are so blessed, so we want to give that blessing to our community,” Zaher wrote. “God bless you and God bless the United States of America.”
Zaher said any child dining in with their parents will receive a free kids’ meal — no questions asked — as long as the SNAP shutdown continues.
Chicken Salad Chick of Gonzales: Kids Eat Free, No Questions Asked
In Gonzales, Chicken Salad Chick joined the movement, announcing on October 28 that children eat free at the restaurant until SNAP benefits are restored.
“We simply believe that no child should go hungry,” the restaurant posted. “Let’s help care for our children — they are our most valuable and most vulnerable.”
The restaurant later thanked the community for overwhelming support and announced it is now collecting food donations for the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.
Country Kitchen Gonzales: Free Community Buffet
Country Kitchen in Gonzales opened its doors with a message of compassion:
“No one in our community should go hungry.”
The restaurant hosted a free Saturday buffet from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., open to anyone in need — dine-in or take-out, no questions asked.
“There’s no catch, no judgement — just good food and neighbors helping neighbors,” the post read.
Animal Shelters Step Up for Struggling Families
Even as restaurants rally to feed families, local animal organizations are making sure that beloved pets don’t go hungry either.
Friends of the Animals – Baton Rouge has stocked up on bags of dog food for anyone in need. The group announced that families can stop by their adoption house at 8476 Highland Rd. to pick up supplies — no questions, no judgment.
“Times are tough, and no pet should go hungry,” the organization shared in a post. “If you need help feeding your dog, we’re here for you. Come grab what you need and keep those tails wagging.”
Friends of the Animals is open Tuesday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
The Sherwood South Animal Hospital also has a Pet Food Pantry available to help relieve the stress of those struggling right now: “No one should have to choose between feeding their family & feeding their pets.”
The location is open 24/7 and the hospital encourages people to come in and take what they need. They can also speak to a receptionist if food isn’t available on the shelves.
The hospital shared, “We are also partnering with Dodge City Veterinary Hospital in Denham Springs to open a Pet Food Pantry there as well so we can help support our broader community! Sherwood South is open for any donations you would like to drop off!” More information can be found here.
Meanwhile, the Capital Area Animal Welfare Society (CAAWS) is hosting a Pet Food Giveaway this Saturday from 10 a.m. to noon at its location on 6357 Quinn Drive in Baton Rouge. Pet owners who can show proof of SNAP benefits or a federal government ID can receive free pet food while supplies last.
“It’s important to us to provide for the community’s pets much like we did during the pandemic,” CAAWS said in a statement.
Food can be dropped off at the shelter on Quinn Drive this week (no later than Friday). Bags must be unopened and may be left in the screened-in area by the front door.
A Community Responds
While Washington debates funding, small businesses in south Louisiana are quietly filling the gap — proving once again that the community spirit runs deep in Baton Rouge and its surrounding parishes.
From free kids’ meals to food drives and hot buffets, these local restaurants are standing behind a simple shared belief: no child should go hungry — shutdown or not.
According to the USDA, more than 16% of Louisiana’s population received SNAP benefits over the summer. LDH will begin notifying recipients this week that November benefits will not be added to their cards until the federal government reopens.
Louisiana residents can find the latest updates on the shutdown via a new state website.
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