These North Texas restaurants are offering free food for families on SNAP
As the federal government shutdown looks likely to continue into its second month, millions of Americans are feeling the effects from missed paychecks to rising food insecurity.
The USDA confirmed that if funding wasn’t restored by Monday, Oct. 27, federal food benefits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would be halted starting Nov. 1.
That cutoff is already creating stress for families who rely on the program, especially in Texas, where more than 3.5 million people depend on SNAP each month for groceries.
In the midst of uncertainty, some local restaurants are stepping up to help.
Here’s what to know.
What is Biundo’s offering?
Biundo’s Pizzeria, a family-owned restaurant in Venus about 35 miles south of Fort Worth, announced it will give away one free 10-inch cheese pizza to families affected by the SNAP payment pause.
The offer will run on Tuesdays only, beginning Nov. 4, and is limited to one pizza per family each week.
To qualify, families must show:
- Proof of SNAP benefits
- A valid ID
- The child present at pickup
Owners said the goal is to provide relief for parents struggling to put food on the table while waiting for federal support to resume.
Why is Biundo’s offering free pizza?
In a Facebook post, the owners described the offer as “just a small gesture to hopefully help no child to have to go hungry.”
The post has drawn thousands of likes and shares from community members praising the restaurant’s compassion.
Some offered to donate to help expand the effort, but the pizzeria said it’s managing on its own for now and will reevaluate if it can add another giveaway day in the future.
Where is the restaurant located?
Biundo’s Pizzeria is located at 104 Second St. in Venus, Texas. The North Texas pizzeria is known for its Chicago-style pizzas, pasta, sandwhiches and other Italian dishes.
The restaurant is run by former Windy City residents who brought their family recipes to Johnson County. It’s become a local favorite among residents for its friendly service.
Customers can dine in, order curbside pickup, or place orders online at biundositalianrestaurant.com.
Hours of operation:
- Monday: Closed
- Tuesday through Thursday: 11 a.m. to 7:45 p.m.
- Friday: 11 a.m. to 8:45 p.m.
- Saturday: 1 p.m. to 8:45 p.m.
- Sunday: 1 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.
Families with questions about the offer can contact the restaurant directly through its website or Facebook page.
Beacon Cafe offering free pancakes
Beacon Cafe, a local breakfast spot located at 12721 Business Highway 287 in Fort Worth, is also joining the effort to fight food insecurity.
In a Facebook post, the restaurant said it will offer a free smiley face pancake during the week for children of families affected by the SNAP pause.
The cafe’s post reads, “No hungry kids on our watch,” and praises Biundo’s Pizzeria for inspiring the idea.
Owners said the offer will be available on weekdays to families who can show proof of SNAP benefits.
Beacon Cafe encouraged other small businesses to follow suit, calling the initiative “a community effort to make sure no child goes without a meal.”
Chicken Salad Chick offering free kids meals
Chicken Salad Chick, a chicken salad restaurant with 14 locations in North Texas, also announced help for SNAP recipients at certain locations.
Starting Tuesday, Oct. 28, any child who visits the fast-casual chain’s Burleson, Fort Worth, Hurst, Midlothian and Southlake locations will receive a free Kid’s Meal until SNAP benefits are restored to Texans — “No purchase necessary, no questions asked.”
There is a limit to one Kid’s Meal per child, dine-in only.
“We do not intend to take sides or make this offer political - we simply believe that no child should go hungry,” the restaurant posted on Facebook. “Let’s help care for our children, who are both our most valuable and most vulnerable. They are our future.”
Hao’s Grocery offering free soup and sourdough
Hao’s Grocery & Cafe, 120 St Louis Ave., is also offering to help. Anyone with a SNAP card can come in to the store on Sundays in November and December from noon to 5 p.m. to receive a free soup and sourdough.
“We understand and feel if we can do something, even a little, we are happy to,” the market posted on Facebook. Anyone else who is in need but does not qualify for SNAP can pay what they can, and Hao’s will put it back as a donation for Soup Sundays.
This story was originally published October 28, 2025 at 3:51 PM.
