As concerns mount over the potential suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, several restaurants in Seattle and Tacoma are stepping up to provide free meals to families in need. Starting from November 1, 2025, funding for SNAP is expected to run out due to a federal government shutdown, leaving many vulnerable families without crucial food assistance.
Murat Akyuz, co-founder of Toasted Bagels & Coffee in Seattle, shared his personal connection to the program. “My family relied on SNAP benefits. Jaafar’s, our co-founder, family relied on SNAP benefits when we were young,” Akyuz stated. The impact of this funding lapse is significant, with over 200,000 people in King County and 118,000 in Pierce County relying on SNAP assistance. In total, nearly one million people across Washington State benefit from the program.
In response to this urgent need, Toasted Bagels & Coffee has launched a ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ initiative inspired by a similar program in Portland. Akyuz explained that patrons can request meals without any questions asked, simply by stating they would like to put their order on a neighbor’s tab. The establishment has committed to covering the first 100 free meals, after which they will rely on community donations to continue the program.
Initial support has been overwhelming. In just four days, the ‘Neighbor’s Tab’ initiative has raised more than $45,000, enough to provide meals for approximately 9,000 people. “It’s just so awesome to see that people are looking out for their neighbor when the systems that we’ve built around us aren’t,” Akyuz remarked. He encouraged further donations to local food banks to help sustain their efforts.
Alongside Toasted, Radnor’s Burgers & Beignets in Tacoma is also offering complimentary meals to families affected by the SNAP funding uncertainty. General Manager Irving Amezcua emphasized the importance of creating a stigma-free environment for those seeking assistance. “There’s a sense of, ‘Man, I don’t want to announce that I’m struggling.’ So saying, ‘put it on my neighbor’s tab,’ it’s an easier way for them not to feel so shamed,” he explained.
Amezcua shared a moving moment when a hesitant mother came into the restaurant. “I kind of pulled her off to the side and said there’s nothing to be ashamed of,” he recounted. He noted that the initiative aims to ensure that no one in the community goes hungry, regardless of the status of SNAP benefits.
As the deadline for SNAP funding approaches, community response efforts like these from restaurants in Seattle and Tacoma highlight the resilience and solidarity among local businesses. Both establishments are committed to making a difference in the lives of families facing food insecurity during this challenging time.
The future of SNAP remains uncertain, as the current administration has indicated that it lacks the legal means to tap into contingency funds for the program, which are typically reserved for disaster relief. As officials work to resolve this issue, local initiatives continue to provide vital support to those in need, reminding the community that compassion and cooperation can make a significant impact even in the face of adversity.
