Local businesses offering free food during government shutdown

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Today marks day 37 of the government shutdown. As families across the valley struggle to put food on the table amid the back and forth in Washington, D.C., some local restaurants are stepping up to help.

Two small business owners say they are doing everything they can to make sure federal workers, their families, and anyone waiting on SNAP benefits do not go hungry during this shutdown. They say they want to help the community they deeply care for, no purchases required, no questions asked.

Casey Salinas, owner and chef of Casey’s Burgers and More in McAllen, is a father who comes from a long line of educators.

Salinas says when times get tough, the Valley sticks together.

The restaurant will be offering free kids' meals to any child, any day of the week. The warm meal comes with drumsticks, fries, and a drink.

He says this is their way of easing financial stress and offering a helping hand.

“Because it’s our responsibility. If we can help, we should help. And so we can do it, it’s not killing us at all, and I don’t like the idea of children going hungry,” Salinas said.

Reach for the Sky BakeShop in San Benito is also serving their community.

On Wednesday, they set up a bookshelf in their bakery where people can drop off or pick up donated items such as canned goods, snacks, and fruit.

Owners Gabriel and Nancy Herrera say the idea came from hearing people say they want to help but do not know how. Within a day of posting this opportunity on social media, the shelf has been filled with donations.

“Small businesses thrive from community. And if our community is struggling, then we’re going to struggle. So, if we can flip it around and help out the community, it’ll help us in return. I think it’s just something very little that we could do,” Herrera said.

Both the bakery and restaurant owners say they do not want anyone in need to feel embarrassed to accept their help. They hope their acts of service can represent what true community is all about.