Portland Coffee Shop Offering Food Assistance To SNAP Recipients Amid Government Shutdown – CoffeeTalk

As the U.S. Department of Agriculture indicated that many Americans would lose food assistance due to a federal government shutdown, Heretic Coffee, a volunteer-run nonprofit coffee shop in Portland, has announced it will provide free breakfasts to recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The shop’s owner, Josh White, articulated his commitment to the community, emphasizing their role as a food provider during a crisis: “People will now be going without it, and we just knew we needed to feed our Portland community.”

Since the announcement, the coffee shop has seen an overwhelming response, garnering over $97,000 in donations and numerous offers for volunteer help within two days. White shared poignant examples, including a donation of just $1.17, representing the sacrifices made by those wishing to support their neighbors. Initially planning to launch this initiative on November 1, when SNAP benefits are expected to expire, the coffee shop decided to start earlier due to immediate demand, spurred by visits from individuals, including a young boy asking for early access to meals.

The program has not only assisted those in need but has also attracted paying customers who contribute extra funds to support the initiative. White described the phenomenon as “one of the most beautiful acts of generosity,” reflecting the community’s spirit. He invites others who wish to help to volunteer or donate, while stressing that support should only come from those who can afford it, stating, “We are not in need of your money.”

Moreover, White encourages other small businesses to follow suit and provide free food when possible, emphasizing a collective responsibility to support one another, particularly in times of systemic failure. He concluded with a motivational call for businesses to step up and help those in need within their communities.

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