As the government shutdown hits day 38 — officially making it the longest one in U.S. history — many local hospitality businesses are stepping up to care for those in the community who have yet to receive any SNAP assistance, almost one full week into November.
The outpouring of support and mutual aid began with posts from Jack’s Extra Fancy and Pizza Wizard, and has snowballed into efforts big and small, each business doing what they can.
Whether you’d like to help or could use some help, we’ve compiled a list of the spots offering aid below.
As always, the easiest and most effective way to help is to support organizations like Foodlink, which is already doing the work by bolstering its emergency food system with an additional $1.5 million in supply. Their full outreach list is here.
Know of others we should include? Email leah@roccitymag.com or DM @roccitymag.
DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER
PIZZA WIZARD | 760 S. Clinton Ave.
TO HELP: Buy a $5 cheese pizza (currently paused as they sold 1,700+) or in-store to add to the mutual aid board.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Take a ticket from the board and receive a cheese pizza, no questions asked or proof needed.
THE RED FERN | 283 Oxford St.
TO HELP: Donate (online here) to The People’s Pantry of Rochester or contribute to the community meals fund to provide a meal for guests in need.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Visit for a Low Dough Burrito or pint of soup, no questions asked or proof needed.
MONTGOMERY COURT | 1241 Park Ave.
TO HELP: Grab your morning cuppa and sammie there.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Montgomery Court will give away 30 free breakfast sandwiches each morning, no questions asked or proof needed.
CLOWNBOY COFFEE | 1978 E. Main St.
TO HELP: Donate non-perishables, can openers and hygiene products to keep the Winton Library food stand and the NOTA (Atlantic Avenue) food pantry filled. $1 from every Clownboy special drink also goes toward Aldi gift cards for the stands.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Visit Clownboy, the Winton Library food stand and the NOTA (Atlantic Avenue) food pantry to grab food and/or gift cards.
JACK’S EXTRA FANCY | 825 Atlantic Ave.
TO HELP: Bring non-perishables to Jack’s anytime during operating hours throughout the holiday season.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Jack’s is donating the items to food pantries around the city. Find a full listing here.
THE HIDEAWAY | 197 Park Ave.
TO HELP: Have a meal at the biz.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: The Hideaway will offer free meals to anyone impacted by the government shutdown — federal workers, contractors and anyone whose food assistance has been paused or reduced — every Thursday from 12-3 p.m.
R & R TAKEOUT & CATERING | 1142 E. Main St.
TO HELP: Refer and support the biz.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: On Thanksgiving, November 27 at 3 p.m., R & R will host a free Thanksgiving Community Dinner for anyone in need, including games and music.
LAUGHING GULL CHOCOLATES | 1868 E. Main St.
TO HELP: Donate new, sealed toiletries and feminine hygiene products through November 30.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Contact the business here or send a message via social media.
THE BAGEL SHOP BY FOX’S | 360 Park Ave.
TO HELP: Purchase a “Spread the Love” coupon for $5 online here on in-store to gift a bagel and coffee.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Grab and redeem a coupon in-store and receive a bagel and coffee, no questions asked or proof needed.
THE CROOKED CRUMBLE | Pick-up only
TO HELP: Donate $10 online here to help cover the cost of birthday cookie cake ingredients, candles, and a birthday card.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: To request a birthday cookie cake, email thecrookedcrumble@gmail.com or call 585-770-8453.
ALTBAR | 1947 E. Main St.
TO HELP: Bring in non-perishable donations for neighborhood food stands and pantries, get $1 off your AltBar purchase.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Stop by to grab items from the donations box.
MERCURY COFFEE CO. | 681 South Ave.
TO HELP: Bring in non-perishable donations for neighborhood food stands and pantries.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Stop by to grab items from the donations box.
ABUNDANCE FOOD CO-OP | 571 South Ave.
TO HELP: Bring (or buy there) non-perishable items to Abundance; donate to a “Pay It Forward” gift card fund at checkout.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Abundance FLOWER members (anyone with an EBT card can apply) will receive 20% off regularly priced items. FLOWER members can also receive a free hot soup (8 oz. or 12 oz.) once daily.
EASTSIDE
SIMPLY CREPES WEBSTER-PENFIELD | 1229 Bay Rd.
TO HELP: Donate to a GoFundMe here for their Emergency Food Distribution Center in partnership with Orbaker’s Farm Market in Williamson. For $10, Simply Crepes will fill a bag that includes fresh eggs, produce, flour, butter, coffee, cereal bars and more.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Pick up a bag during the next distribution: 1-3 p.m. (or while supplies last) every Tuesday in November at Simply Crepes Webster–Penfield, 1229 Bay Rd.
WESTSIDE
JOELLE EATS CAKE | 131 S. Union St., Spencerport
TO HELP: Support the biz by referring or purchasing.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Joelle Eats Cake is offering SNAP birthday bento cakes to anyone affected by the pause, no ID or SNAP card needed. Send a message here to coordinate pickup.
GO FROST YOURSELF | 2544 Ridgeway Ave.
TO HELP: Donate non-perishable food and/or new, sealed baby products and hygiene items in-store; donations will be taken to New Roots and the Greece Central School District food pantry.
IF YOU’RE IN NEED: Contact the business at 585-355-4668.
Thanks!