During the recent federal government shutdown, local restaurants, food vendors, and partner organizations stepped up big time to feed people on SNAP, CalFresh, the unhoused, and others in need. With the holiday season signaling a spirit of giving and gratitude, consider expressing appreciation for those establishments by selecting them when choosing where to dine or order that special holiday meal. Below is a list of the businesses and, when known, brief descriptions of them and what each provided to the community during the shutdown.
The season of generosity started early for these businesses.
Berkeley-based Kamu Siapa Kitchen hosted a benefit for SNAP recipients in November when the Indonesian pop-up led by UC graduate student Dakota Pekerti offered small scale cooking classes and workshops for food entrepreneurs.
Humbowl is a catering company with locations in Berkeley and San Rafael. offers fresh, healthy catering in Berkeley and San Rafael. They offered free Kids Bowls for children age 12 and under, and 25 percent off for any SNAP recipient starting Nov. 1. The program ended when SNAP funding was restored.
Oakland-based Monster Pho gave children under 12 free beef, chicken or vegetable phở and offered parents with SNAP cards a 25 % discount. Owner Tee Tran demonstrates longstanding support for the community, with annual events such as “PHO FOR THE PEOPLE,” and donations to partner organizations. In 2025, Monster Pho donated over 20,000 meals to World Central Kitchen.
Homemade Cafe‘s “Everyone Eats Initiative” was established in 2023, long before the current shutdown. The program when it began offered a free breakfast to anyone who needed one. Contributions from regular customers covered the costs, resulting in 5,000 Everyone Eats meals being served. The Berkeley restaurant has continued its support for community members in need of food.
Malibu’s Burgers in Oakland kept up its steady pace providing the community with 100% plant-based meals and during the shutdown, offering free meals for individuals and families in need who are SNAP recipients. Owner Danny Malibu’s free meal giveaways operation in collaboration with Dare to Strive (501c3); a Cooking and Food Entrepreneurship Empowerment Program coming soon has both operations investing in job training for local folks entering the industry.
Timeless Coffee is another 100 percent plant-based establishment whose two locations in Oakland have a long track record of supporting other local food vendors, startups, and the community in general. The coffee shops provided one free drink for SNAP recipients and their children when benefits were delayed.
Worker‑owned Understory was founded in 2020 by Lily Fahsi-Haskell, Jenabi Pareja, Nino Serrano, and Florencio Esquivel to stem the destructive tide of the COVID-19 pandemic. Largely focused on addressing the unrelenting negative impact on workers of color in the industry and underserved communities, during the benefits shutdown, Understory continued its pay‑what‑you‑can menu—and free meals for anyone unable to pay— no SNAP documentation was required.
Wahpepah’s Kitchen founder/owner/chef Crystal Wahpepah is an enrolled member of the Kickapoo nation of Oklahoma. Born and raised on Ohlone land in Oakland, the cuisine reflects her Native American heritage, the business operations her deep humanity and leadership skills. Wahpepah served bison tacos to children 16 and younger and adults 65 and older during the recent food crisis. Monetary donations to support the restaurant and its active role in the community are accepted at any time.
Chef Eric Rivera’s Puerto Rican Street Cuisine in Oakland provided a free kid’s meal to children 12 and under. Rivera brings full-plated pride to his authentic Puerto Rican, Boricua Soul food. His redemption story is inspiring and the dishes offered during the shutdown worth their weight in gold, and then some.