SNAP Benefits Have Stopped — Hunger Can’t Wait. Help us feed more people in our community.
NOTE: “Unless otherwise mentioned, recipients should plan to show a CalFresh EBT card + any form of photo ID. These offers are available until the federal government shutdown ends.”
“If you are food insecure, I can help,” said Tony Adams, who owns the Mill Valley Pasta Company in downtown Mill Valley. Early on, Adams posted that he’s offering to help anyone needing food at his stores or pop-ups, no questions asked. We launched something called the Uncle Tony Program. People can come in, mention they’re there to pick up an order for Uncle Tony. It’s coded language for us, that they may be food insecure and need help. Sometimes the biggest barrier to getting help is having to ask for help,” Adams said.
A number of restaurants have followed Adams’ lead, with organizations like Practice San Francisco in Mill Valley. “We know that before families can prioritize– or even think about mental health, they have to feel stable and secure in their foundational needs– physical safety, housing, and food.
Madrona Bakery
Just down the road a bit, Madrona Bakery in downtown Mill Valley has rallied savory meal for folks, like a pasta and beans.
After 11am and until till 3pm, people can come in and ask “what’s for family meal?” and we’ll give them lunch. NOTE: They can’t accommodate dietary restrictions – meals may have meat, dairy, and wheat. Businesses won’t have unlimited amounts of food, but businesses will do what they can to support SNAP recipients. Restaurants will inform the Mill Valley Chamber if/when businesses run out of food if necessary.
Shoreline Coffee Shop and Watershed
Shoreline Coffee Shop and Watershed are both on the 75% off take out during government shut down.
They have been in direct contact with SF Marin food bank and other organizations to get the world out.
Equator Coffees
Equator Coffees
Equator has been talking about this for a few days now and working through the operational constraints of not having true “restaurant meals”. We just finalized our offer today:
Effective Saturday, November 1st, support for SNAP dependent folks.
- Free Pastry & Choice of Milk for kids
- 50% off purchase for accompanying adult.
Show your current “SNAP” card and ID, and have your child/children with you. No purchase required.
We will be publicizing this offer on social media and via signs in our cafes.
Le Marais Bakery
Le Marais Bakery Mill Valley is happy to participate and support our community. We’ll be offering a 65% discount on adult meals and free meals for kids for anyone showing a CalFresh EBT card or using the community keyword.
The San Francisco-Marin Food Bank posted on its website that due to SNAP benefits running out for thousands, all monetary donations up to $80,000 will be matched thanks to several anonymous donors.
Marin County leaders, Mill Valley Councilmembers, Mill Valley Chambers of Commerce have mobilized an emergency response to address the rapidly evolving situation surrounding the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP)/CalFresh shutdown and the growing risk of food insecurity across the community.
Approximately 15,500 Marin residents are expected to lose access to critical food benefits beginning November 1, with local food banks and community partners already experiencing surges in demand.
At its November 4 meeting, the Marin County Board of Supervisors will consider a recommendation to allocate $800,000 in emergency funding — approximately $200,000 per week — to provide direct food assistance to CalFresh recipients during the federal shutdown.
If approved, the funds will be distributed in close coordination with the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and the SF-Marin Food Bank to ensure timely and equitable delivery of support to those most in need. County Executive Derek Johnson and Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin Health & Human Services (HHS), would be authorized to determine the most effective distribution method in alignment with the partners’ existing food access strategies.
NOTE: “Unless otherwise mentioned, recipients should plan to show a CalFresh EBT card + any form of photo ID. These offers are available until the federal government shutdown ends.”
You mention the need for the SNAP card in a couple restaurants, but not all. I don’t want non-Cal Fresh folks to take advantage of the generosity of Madrona and Ged, etc. I can think of some folks who might try to get 75 percent off take out at Watershed!
“Ensuring food security is central to our mission and to the health of our community,” said Dr. Lisa Warhuus, Director of Marin HHS. “In moments like these, our local partnerships and community compassion truly shine. Marin has a long tradition of coming together to support one another, and we’re seeing that spirit again as organizations, volunteers, and neighbors step up to ensure no one goes hungry. Every act of generosity — whether it’s donating to a local fund, volunteering, or checking in on a neighbor — helps strengthen the safety net that holds our community together.”
In addition to the County’s proposed contribution, the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) has established the Food on Every Table Fund[External], committing $500,000 to launch a community giving and matching campaign. Community members, businesses, and nonprofits who want to help are urged to donate monetary funds through the Food on Every Table Fund to support Marin’s coordinated food response. to support Marin’s coordinated food response.
“When federal responsibilities go unmet, counties are often the last line of defense, and Marin is stepping up,” said County Executive Derek Johnson. “The Board of Supervisors prudently set aside contingency funding last year to prepare for periods of federal uncertainty, ensuring we can respond when federal actions threaten essential services. While these are limited, one-time dollars that must be used carefully for the most critical needs, we are committed to ensuring no one in Marin goes hungry. This proposed County funding and the Marin Community Foundation’s fundraising campaign offer vital local support, but we cannot replace the scale of federal programs.”
A CalFresh electronic benefits transfer (EBT) card doesn’t just offer food benefits to individuals and families with low-income, you can also benefit from free access and discounts on museums, zoos, internet, utilities and much more. Below are some of the many additional discounts and benefits you get with a Golden State Advantage Card (EBT).
