WAYNE COUNTY, Ind. – SNAP benefits have been paused for the month of November, and local restaurants are stepping in to help.

The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is a U.S. government program that provides food assistance to low-income individuals and families. Nearly 600,000 Hoosiers rely on these benefits each month.

In response, several restaurants – including 5 Arch Brewing Company, Firehouse BBQ & Blues, and Sweet Blessings – are offering free meals until benefits are reinstated.

On Tuesday, 5 Arch Brewing Company announced on Facebook it will provide100 free meals each Saturday. Each meal consists of a chicken and rice casserole, available on a first come, first serve basis at their Centerville location. Meals are packaged in foil pans and serve up to eight people.

“Regardless of what team jersey you sport, the fact remains that there’s a lot of families that will have a difficult time sourcing food this coming month,” said 5 Arch owner, Jake Waltz. “We’re doing what we can to help alleviate that pain.”

Waltz said the effort is self-funded, inspired by similar initiatives at restaurants in Michigan. He added that many community members have reached out wanting to contribute, and the team is determining how best to manage that.

“Local businesses are always looking at how they can impact the community. It takes a while to plan this sort of thing out so I'm sure we've all had similar ideas around the same time, and I imagine other organizations will be doing what they can with their own unique skills and connections,” Waltz said.

Restaurants offering free meals require individuals to bring their SNAP EBT cards.

Restaurants Offering Free Meals

5 Arch Brewing Company: 100 free meals available by 11:30 a.m. on Saturdays

129 East Main Street, Centerville, IN

Firehouse BBQ & Blues: 100 free meals available by 12 p.m. on Mondays

400 North 8^th Street, Richmond, IN

Mancino’s: Free large one item pizza on Mondays

217 National Road West, Richmond, IN

IHOP Richmond: Up to 20 free buttermilk pancakes from 6 a.m. – 12 p.m. on Tuesdays

540 W Eaton Pike, Richmond, IN

Thai Thara: 100 free meals available between 12 – 4 p.m. on Nov. 2 and 9

1000 Chester Blvd, Richmond, IN

Sweet Blessings: Free meals available by 11:30 a.m. on Wednesdays

625 East Main Street, Richmond, IN

Block Head Records: 10 "Birthday Boxes" available from 12 - 5 p.m. on Saturdays

413 North 8^th Street, Richmond, IN

Lulu's Taco: Free burrito for pick up from 2 - 5 p.m. on Wednesdays

4563 National Road East, Richmond, IN

Restaurants with “Pay it Forward” Meal Boards

Suzie’s Pizza

820 East Main Street, Richmond, IN
Carlo’s Cuisine

1310 NW 5^th Street, Richmond, IN

Sweet Blessings

625 East Main Street, Richmond, IN

DARKE COUNTY, Ohio - The first taste of the holiday season is coming back to the Darke County Fairgrounds at the start of November.

The 9th annual Fall into Christmas Food Truck Rally and Craft Show takes place Saturday, Nov. 1, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the fairgrounds, 800 Sweitzer Street in Greenville.

Admission and parking are free for the event, which features both indoor and outdoor shopping areas with more than 100 local craft vendors, boutiques, food trucks, and live music.

Visitors can enjoy a visit with Santa Claus from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. inside the Coliseum, along with pony rides and mobile train rides throughout the day. 

There is also a chance to win over $500 in gift cards and prizes by entering drawings at the gazebo. Each non-perishable food item donated to Solid Rock Church's Thanksgiving food drive earns an extra entry. Donations will go to help local families in need this holiday season.

Event organizers describe the rally and craft show as a celebration of small local business and encourage the community to come out and show support.

Image provided by Jason Blackburn.

RICHMOND, Ind. - At the corner of North Eighth Street and North D Street sits Firehouse BBQ & Blues, a locally owned restaurant that's become a destination for food lovers and music fans alike.

Located in Richmond, Firehouse offers more than just a meal, it's an experience. It's known for its slow-cooked, wood-smoked meats and features a menu packed with barbecue classics that include ribs, tender brisket, and pulled pork. There are also options of traditional sides and southern-inspired comfort food. 

Firehouse is also dedicated to bringing live music to its scene. The restaurant regularly hosts musicians of blues, rock, and soulful tunes.

The idea behind Firehouse BBQ & Blues was to create a warm and welcoming space where the community could gather for great food and live entertainment.