Where Unpaid Federal Employees Can Get Free or Discounted Food in San Antonio

A single missed paycheck can affect the quality of life for many individuals and families. The government shutdown— now in its fourth week— has left an estimated 800,000 federal employees without pay or access to services with no clear end in sight. Several local businesses and national food chains are offering free and discounted meals for furloughed employees during this difficult time. Here’s a local round-up of the meals and deals to look for.

Hopdoddy // The local burger bar will offer federal employees a free meal — a burger, fries and non-alcoholic beverage — when they show their ID on Wednesday, Jan. 23. Throughout the rest of the shutdown, federal employees will be able to show their government ID for 25 percent off their meal. 17623 La Cantera Pkwy #101, (210) 434-2337, hopdoddy.com.

Taco Cabana // Government employees can enjoy 20 percent off the entire Taco Cabana menu, with a maximum of $20 in savings, when they order from the drive-thru or visit restaurant locations. Multiple locations, tacocabana.com.

Bakery Lorraine // Furloughed employees can stop by Bakery Lorraine for a free hot coffee and breakfast pastry when they show a government ID. Multiple locations, bakerylorraine.com.

2M Smokehouse // Head to 2M on Fridays for two free pulled pork tacos and salsa (no substitutes or exceptions), when employees show an ID card. 2731 S WW White Road, (210) 885-9352, 2msmokehouse.com.

Chunky’s Burgers // The local restaurant is offering furloughed employees a free ⅓ pound burger, fries and drink with proof of ID. 4602 Callaghan Road, (210) 433-9960, mychunkysburgers.com.

Scooped Cookie Dough // Employees affected by the shutdown can enjoy a free size upgrade when they order and show their ID. 7400 San Pedro Ave #5537, (512) 943-2883, scoopedcookiedoughbar.com.

This list will be updated to reflect discount or restaurant changes during the government shutdown.

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