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October 29, 2025

Friday Food Insider: Maine restaurants step up to the plate amid SNAP cuts

Photo / Courtesy American Flatbread At American Flatbread in Rockport, anyone can show a SNAP card and receive a free small pizza.
By Alexis Wells

With more than 160,000 Mainers set to lose SNAP benefits on Nov. 1 and workers affected by the federal shutdown, restaurants across the state are stepping in to offer assistance.

Some restaurants are providing free meals or discounts during the SNAP delay.

Blaze Brewing Co., with locations in Bangor, Blue Hill, Bar Harbor and Orono, will offer 50% off food and non-alcoholic drinks to EBT SNAP benefit cardholders Monday through Thursday, lunch and dinner, and on Sunday. The offer is good through the duration of the shutdown. 

"We realize this isn't a fixer for families by any means, but more of an opportunity for folks with financial challenges to still be able to have a meal out once in a while and bring the kids to enjoy some time out of the house, eat a pizza and have a Shirley temple," the restaurant owners wrote in a social media post.

"Just quietly slide your valid and current card and form of payment into the guest check presenter, and we will quietly oblige and take 50% off your bill. We wish everyone the best during these difficult times. We hope this helps even just a little."

Provender Kitchen + Bar in Ellsworth said in a social media post that, due to the number of families who reached out after its announcement of free prepared meals, the restaurant has partnered with Loaves & Fishes Food Pantry.

"The pantry is already well-equipped for distribution and logistics, making it a better option than the restaurant for handling this effort," the owner said in the post. "Starting this Monday, I will be delivering 100 prepared meals each week to Loaves & Fishes. Anyone affected by the government shutdown and disruptions to EBT or SNAP benefits is welcome to pick up meals there. No one should go hungry — we are here for you."

About the funding cuts

Mainebiz reported on Thursday that Gov. Janet Mills pledged $1.25 million in state and philanthropic funding to aid anti-hunger programs in Maine.

An estimated 12.5% of Maine’s population rely on SNAP benefits. In at least five counties — Androscoggin, Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis and Somerset  — that percentage surpasses 20%.

Nearly 75% of SNAP households in Maine include at least one working adult; more than half include a person with a disability; 43% include an older adult; and over one-third include children, totaling 55,000 children across the state.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture informed states that SNAP benefits would not be distributed in November due to the federal government shutdown. 

Other restaurants participating

Nutty Netties Cafe, at 34 Court St. in New Auburn, will offer free kids' meals.

Moe's BBQ, with locations in Bangor and Scarborough, will offer 50% off for government employees who share their ID.

Taj Indian Cuisine, at 333 Clarks Pond Parkway in South Portland, will provide free meals to those in need. 

Just-in-Time Recreation, at 24 Mollison Way in Lewiston, will offer free meals to children and elderly residents. The offer includes a choice of two hot dogs and fries or a grilled cheese sandwich and fries. Meals are available from 4-9 p.m., Tuesday through Sunday.

Sam's Italian Foods, with locations in Freeport, Lewiston, Auburn, Rumford, Brunswick, Lisbon Falls, Topsham, Augusta and Dixfield, will provide one free 10-inch cheese pizza per week for children 12 and under, starting Nov. 1. The restaurant will also offer a 10% discount on adult meals. 

Reader Feedback

What other restaurants have you seen stepping up to help during the government shutdown? The Mainebiz Food Insider wants to hear from you. Contact Alexis Wells at awells@mainebiz.biz.

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