All the Places Furloughed Workers Can Get Free Food

free food shutdown
Shutterstock.com
Shutterstock.com

As improbable as it may have seemed just after Christmas, the government shutdown is still bumbling forward four weeks later. It is now the longest federal government shutdown in American history and lots of people are struggling because of it. Around 800,000 government employees are going without pay, not to mention the contract employees who won't get back pay and all the people who have had vital government services cut off. 

As dystopian as it may sound, companies across the country have been offering their support for workers who don't know when their next paycheck will arrive. Many restaurants have come out with extreme acts of generosity, offering free food and other deals and discounts to workers who are struggling to make ends meet during the shutdown. 

So, we're collecting all of those places here to help furloughed government employees find a friendly space and a little help. Here are all the places offering freebies, food deals, and other assistance while the government is shutdown. 

(Please note: the list is being updated regularly and has gotten quite long. Offers are listed by state, alphabetically.)

National Offers

Fazoli's
The deal: 
Fazoli's noted in an announcement that "missing a paycheck can really hurt." So, participating locations are inviting furloughed federal employees to stop in for a free pizza baked spaghetti with the purchase of any drink. 
When: Through January 20

White Castle
The deal: On January 29, furloughed federal employees can stop into any of the nation's nearly 400 White Castle locations for a free Combo Meal (only #1-6) or Breakfast Combo Meal.
When: January 29

Potbelly
The deal: All Potbelly locations across the country will offer buy-one-get-one-free (BOGO) sandwiches to federal employees carrying their ID. 
When: January 23-27

Sky Zone
The deal: Federal government employees and their families can head to the trampoline park for a free visit if they flash a government ID. They can bring up to three family members with them to get a free 60-minute jump per day.
When: Tuesday through Thursday until January 31

Sweetgreen
The deal: For one day, every location will offer free food to furloughed government workers. 
When: January 26, 6-8pm

Alabama

Farm Burger
The deal:
 All 11 Farm Burger locations are offering a free chicken burger, fries, and an iced tea every Friday to furloughed workers who show a valid ID. 
When: Every Friday until the shutdown ends
Where: Birmingham, Huntsville

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Trussville

Sylvia's Biscuits & Poboys
The deal:
 Sylvia's is offering up free meals for federal employees who aren't being paid right now. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Mobile

Alaska

Kaladi Brothers Coffee
The deal: All out of work federal workers get a free Red Goat brewed coffee in any size with free refills all day.
When: Until it's all over with
Where: Anchorage, Soldotna, Wasilla

Arizona

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The deal:
 All month long, furloughed workers can see a movie for free. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and isn't good on any "specialty programming." Present your ID and you'll get one free movie ticket
When: Throughout January
Where: Phoenix

Hopdoddy
The deal: A Hopdoddy representative emailed to say the chain has a couple of deals available. Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers will get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: Phoenix, Scottsdale

free food shutdown
Courtesy of Farm Burger

California

The Burger Spot 1
The deal: Once a week throughout the shutdown, government employees and their family can get a free meal
When: Until it ends
Where: Cypress

Elephant Bar Restaurant
The deal: This small chain is offering BOGO entrées for all federal employees affected by the shutdown.
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Burlingame, Citrus Heights, Hayward, Sacramento, Torrance

Farm Burger
The deal:
 All 11 Farm Burger locations are offering a free chicken burger, fries, and iced tea every Friday to furloughed workers who show a valid ID. 
When: Every Friday until the shutdown ends
Where: San Anselmo

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Temecula

Hawkins House of Burgers
The deal: With "proper identification," affected government employees can get a free lunch between 11am and 5pm daily. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Los Angeles

Hilltop Coffee + Kitchen
The deal:
 Until the stupid shutdown is over a federal ID gets you a small coffee and two beignets for $2. 
When: Until it ends
Where: Los Angeles

Hopdoddy
The deal: A Hopdoddy representative tells Thrillist the chain has a couple of deals available. Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: El Segundo, Newport Beach, Playa Vista, Tustin

Lola's Chicken Shack
The deal: Get half off your meal if you're a furloughed government employee. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Alameda

Rock and Brews
The deal: TSA employees are invited to grab a free pulled pork sandwich or salad at the chain owned Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. Though, the locations inside LAX are not participating.
When: Until it ends
Where: Buena Park, Carson, Corona, Downey, Highland, Ontario, Rancho Cucamonga, Redondo Beach, El Segundo, Tustin, Vacaville

Silvio's BBQ
The deal: Federal employees can get a free lunch any day of the week. The first 20 to show up between 11:30am and 12:30pm get their choice of a chicken or veggie bahia rice bowl.
When: January 14 - until it ends
Where: Hermosa Beach

Taco Pete
The deal:
 Show that gov't ID and you'll get two orders of french fries, two sodas, and a box of eight tacos. 
When: Ongoing
Where: Los Angeles

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Modesto

Wahoo's Fish Taco
The deal: The LAX airport location is offering 50% off orders to TSA employees. You'll find the restaurant in Terminal 6, post-security departures. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Los Angeles (LAX)

Colorado

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Arvada, Colorado Springs, Fort Collins, Greenwood Village, Lakewood, Longmont

Hopdoddy
The deal: Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers will get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: Denver

Poor Richard's Downtown
The deal: Government employees who aren't being paid and their families are getting free meals at Poor Richard's. (That's not the same Poor Richard's from The Office, unfortunately.)
When: Ongoing
Where: Colorado Springs

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Denver

Connecticut

Brother Jimmy's
The deal:
For one week, federal employees can get a free lunch at select Brother Jimmy's locations. “Given the current government shutdown, we wanted to provide our federal employees with complimentary lunch to show our appreciation,” says Jimmy Goldman, Founder of Brother Jimmy.
When: January 23-25
Where: Stamford

Florida

15 South Ristorante Enoteca
The deal:
 With a valid ID, government employees will get a free meal from a special menu. 
When: every Friday until the shutdown ends, 4:30-7pm
Where: Sarasota

Brother Jimmy's
The deal: For one week, federal employees can get a free lunch at select Brother Jimmy's locations. “Given the current government shutdown, we wanted to provide our federal employees with complimentary lunch to show our appreciation,” says Jimmy Goldman, Founder of Brother Jimmy.
When: January 23-25
Where: West Palm Beach

Dada
The deal:
 Dada is one the many Sub-Culture-owned restaurants offering one free meal per day to workers going without pay. The offer varies a little at each Sub-Culture restaurant, so contact them for more details on the offer. At all Sub-Culture locations, you'll need to show your ID and the event page specifies that tip is not included. 
When: January 17-21
Where: Delray

The Dubliner
The deal:
 Dubliner is another of the many Sub-Culture-owned restaurants offering one free meal per day to workers going without pay. The offer varies a little at each Sub-Culture restaurant, so contact them for more details on the offer. 
When: January 17-21
Where: Boca Raton

Howley's Restaurant
The deal: Another of the many Sub-Culture-owned restaurants offering one free meal per day to workers going without pay. Contact the restaurant for details on the offer. 
When: January 17-21
Where: West Palm Beach

Hullabaloo
The deal: Another of the many Sub-Culture-owned restaurants offering one free meal per day to workers going without pay. Contact the restaurant for details on the offer.
When: January 17-21
Where: West Palm Beach

Kapow
The deal: Another of the many Sub-Culture-owned restaurants offering one free meal per day to workers going without pay. Contact the restaurant for details on the offer.
When: January 17-21
Where: Boca Raton, Delray Beach

Seminole Casino Coconut Creek
The deal: Furloughed workers and a guest can grab a free lunch between 11am and 4pm at the casino's Fresh Harvest buffet once per day, up to five times per week, reports the Sun Sentinel. Then you can get dinner once a week at Sorrisi, the casino's Italian restaurant. That offer is valid between 5-11pm on Fridays and Saturdays. The deals are available to furloughed employees of Treasury, Homeland Security, Interior, State, HUD, Transportation, Justice, Agriculture, and Commerce departments. 
When: Through January 31
Where: Coconut Creek

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Kissimmee, Melbourne, Orlando, Winter Garden

Georgia

Atlanta Community Food Bank
The deal: 
The Food Bank is giving out fresh produce, meat and other food, available to the 1,200 TSA and US Customs and Border Protection employees going without pay during the shutdown.
When: January 18, 10am-3pm 
Where: Atlanta (4245 International Parkway)

Farm Burger
The deal:
 All 11 Farm Burger locations are offering a free chicken burger, fries, and an iced tea every Friday to furloughed workers who show a valid ID. 
When: Every Friday until the shutdown ends
Where: Atlanta, Decatur, Dunwoody

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Loganville, Savannah

Souper Jenny
The deal: Free lunch is available for furloughed employees at all Souper Jenny locations. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Atlanta, Decatur

Hawaii

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Honolulu, Lihue

Rock and Brews
The deal: TSA employees are invited to grab a free pulled pork sandwich or salad at the chain owned Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. 
When: Until it ends
Where: Paia

Illinois

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Morton, Peoria

Miss Ricky's Diner
The deal: 
The diner is offering a free meal for furloughed workers with an ID. You can get your choice of tomato soup or a garden salad, followed by your choice of a grilled cheddar and brie sandwich, avocado BLT, avocado toast, or bacon cheeseburger.
When: January 28, 7am-2:30pm
Where: Chicago

Passion House Coffee Roasters
The deal: The Logan Square cafe is offering furloughed workers a free 12-ounce cup of drip coffee, as well as a place to hang out. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Chicago

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Chicago

Yolk
The deal:
 All Chicago-area locations are offering a free 12-ounce coffee from the "elevated coffee menu" with a minimum $5 purchase. The offer is available to everyone. 
When: January 18
Where: Chicago

Indiana

BurgerFuel
The deal: A BurgerFuel employee tipped us off that the Indianapolis location is offering 25% off meals for furloughed workers with a valid government ID. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Indianapolis

Condado Tacos
The deal: 
Condado will be serving up free tacos to furloughed government employees. No purchase is necessary, but you will have to show your government ID. The offer is valid at all 10 Condado locations. 
When: January 16-23
Where: Indianapolis

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Evansville, Lafayette

The Libertine
The deal: Local restauranteur Neal Brown is offering up deals at three of his restaurants (including Pizzology and Ukiyo below). "I know there are a lot of people who are going through a rough time right now," Brown told WTHR. Federal workers with a valid ID get a meal on the house. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Indianapolis

Pizzology
The deal: Same as the details found under the Libertine above. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Carmel

Ukiyo
The deal: Same as the details under The Libertine above. 
When: Until the shutdown ends. 
Where: Indianapolis

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Southport

Iowa

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Cedar Rapids

Kansas

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Lawrence, Prairie Village

Kentucky

Smokin' This and That BBQ
The deal: It's not totally clear, but if you're a local government employee who is not being paid during the shutdown, Smokin' This is there to help out. WLWT reports that they've been serving more than 100 customers.
When: Until the thing ends
Where: Florence

Maine

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Bangor, Portland

YMCA of Bangor
The deal: The Y will give a free membership to any government employee out of work during the shutdown. The membership lasts until the shutdown ends. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Bangor

Maryland

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Columbia, Rockville

Jaleo
The deal: Pick up a free flauta de jamon serrano daily between 2-5pm if you're carrying your government ID. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Bethesda

MOD Pizza
The deal:
 Grab a free MOD-size pizza or salad if you're a federal worker going without pay. 
When: January 23
Where: Baltimore, Bowie, California, Columbia, Dunkirk, Frederick, Glen Burne, Riverdale Park, Severna Park, Silver Spring, Sykesville

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Baltimore, Ellicott City, Frederick, Hagerstown, Oakland

Massachusetts 

Adelita
The deal:
 The children of furloughed workers can eat for free
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Concord

The Friendly Toast
The deal: The restaurant is offering a free meal for you and a guest if you're a federal employee affected by the government shutdown. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Back Bay, Burlington, Cambridge

State Street Provisions
The deal: Active members of the Coast Guard get 50% off orders with a valid ID. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Boston

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza. The deal is available across all UNO locations in the US, but the Boston-based company has a lot of locations in Massachusetts.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Attleboro, Boston, Dedham, Framingham, Haverhill, Holyoke, Leominster, Millbury, Springfield, Sturbridge, Swampscott, Taunton, Worcester, Wrentham

Michigan

Bayside Market
The deal:
 Members of the coast guard, who are working without pay, can get their groceries covered as long as they show their ID. The community has banded together to donated and make sure the store is able to provide this service. 
When: Until it ends
Where: Traverse City

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Ann Arbor, Grand Blanc, Okemos

Java Joe's Cafe
The deal:
 Members of the Coast Guard stationed in St. Ignace, as well as Homeland Security and National Forest Service employees can get a free breakfast at Java Joe's. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends
Where: Saint Ignace

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Bay City, Birch Run, Saginaw, Sterling Heights

free food furloughed workers
Courtesy of Birchwood Cafe/Keelie Ritter

Minnesota

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The deal:
 All month long, furloughed workers can see a movie for free. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and isn't good on any "specialty programming." Present your ID and you'll get one free movie ticket
When: Throughout January
Where: Woodbury

Birchwood Cafe
The deal: The restaurant is offering a free meal for furloughed workers, their partner, and children once per day as long as this drags on. "We hope that we can provide some comfort to those experiencing financial hardship during this reckless shutdown," Birchwood wrote in a post on Facebook
When: January 19-the end of the shutdown
Where: Minneapolis

Brake Bread
The deal: "If government shutdowns are affecting your grocery bill, get in here for free bread," the bakery wrote on Facebook.
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: St. Paul

Funky Grits
The deal: Twin Cities workers impacted the government shutdown (they specify contractors as well, who are without work and not getting back pay) can get 50% off their entire order
When: "Offer will continue as long as the federal government isn't"
Where: Minneapolis

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Burnsville, Rochester, St. Paul, Stillwater 

Herbivorous Butcher
The deal: Government employees get 20% off orders of the butcher's vegan meats and cheeses.
When: Till the thing ends
Where: Minneapolis

Minnesota Children's Museum
The deal: Affected government employees and their family can get free admission to the revamped Children's Museum. (Be sure to play with the crazy ping pong ball canons on the bottom floor.)
When: Through the end of the shutdown
Where: St. Paul

Punch Bowl Social
The deal: Show your government ID before ordering, and you'll get a 25% discount on your meal. 
When: Ongoing
Where: St. Louis Park

Science Museum of Minnesota
The deal: This excellent museum -- remember the Brontosaurus shirts!? -- is offering a free admission and Omnitheater ticket to all furloughed employees. (Oh man, it's Omnifest right now, too!) The offer is good for the person presenting their government ID and up to three guests. 
When: January 15-the end of the shutdown
Where: St. Paul

Uptown Salon
The deal: Furloughed government employees can get a free haircut for a limited time. 
When: Ongoing
Where: Minneapolis

Missouri

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The deal:
 All month long, furloughed workers can see a movie for free. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and isn't good on any "specialty programming." Present your ID and you'll get one free movie ticket
When: Throughout January
Where: Springfield

Walnut Grill O'Fallon
The deal: Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers and their children can pick up a free sandwich, salad, or flatbread pizza with a non-alcoholic beverage. The offer is valid once per day and you can only order one item. 
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: O'Fallon

Montana

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Butte, Helena, Missoula

Northwestern Energy
The deal: The energy company has announced a plan to help furloughed workers. Details on that can be found here.
When: Ongoing
Where: Across the state

Nebraska

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Omaha

Northwestern Energy
The deal: The energy company has announced a plan to help furloughed workers. Details on that can be found here.
When: Ongoing
Where: Across the state

furloughed worker meals
Courtesy of Beer Park

Nevada

Beer Park at Paris Las Vegas
The deal: 
Furloughed workers can get a free meal and non-alcoholic drink.
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Las Vegas

Elephant Bar Restaurant
The deal: This small chain is offering BOGO entrées for all federal employees affected by the shutdown.
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Henderson

New Hampshire

The Friendly Toast
The deal: The restaurant is offering a free meal for you and a guest if you're a federal employee affected by the government shutdown. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Portsmouth

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Concord, Nashua, Tilton

New Jersey

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Clifton, Deptford, Hamilton, Maple Shade

New Mexico

Elephant Bar Restaurant
The deal: This small chain is offering BOGO entrées for all federal employees affected by the shutdown.
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Albuquerque

Rock and Brews
The deal: TSA employees are invited to grab a free pulled pork sandwich or salad from the chain by KISS's Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley.
When: Until it ends
Where: Albuquerque

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Las Cruces

New York

Brother Jimmy's
The deal: For one week, federal employees can get a free lunch at select Brother Jimmy's locations. “Given the current government shutdown, we wanted to provide our federal employees with complimentary lunch to show our appreciation,” says Jimmy Goldman, Founder of Brother Jimmy.
When: January 23-25
Where: New York City (two locations), White Plains

Melba's Restaurant
The deal: The Harlem restaurant is offering a free sit-down meal for furloughed workers. "Witnessing the personal and economic effects of this government shutdown across the country is devastating," said owner Melba Wilson. "We want to provide a few minutes of comfort for these government employees, some of whom have not received a paycheck in weeks." The buffet provided will include southern fried catfish, BBQ chicken, peas and rice, sauteed string beans, and more. There will also be vegan options. 
When: January 22, 11am-3pm
Where: New York City

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Albany, Bayside, Brooklyn, Central Valley, Fayetteville, Nw Hartford, New York City, Plattsburgh, Queens, Queensbury, Rochester, Webster, Yonkers

North Carolina

Farm Burger
The deal:
 All 11 Farm Burger locations are offering a free chicken burger, fries, and an iced tea every Friday to furloughed workers who show a valid ID. 
When: Every Friday until the shutdown ends
Where: Asheville

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Ashville, Raleigh, Wilmington

Trophy Brewing & Pizza / State of Beer
The deal: Trophy is offering a free meal to furloughed workers at all of its locations, including The State of Beer. Show your ID to partake. At the main Trophy Brewing & Pizza location, workers can get a free small pizza or a free large pizza if there are two or more people together. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Raleigh

free food furlough
Courtesy of Condado Taco

Ohio

Condado Tacos
The deal:
 Condado will be serving up free tacos to furloughed government employees. No purchase is necessary, but you will have to show your government ID. The offer is valid at all 10 Condado locations, three of which are located in Ohio. 
When: January 16-23
Where: Beachwood, Cincinnati, Columbus

Lago East Bank
The deal: Government employees affected by the shutdown, as well as their families, can get a free order of pasta and meatballs. 
When: January 9-until the shutdown ends
Where: Cleveland

Oklahoma

Hopdoddy
The deal: Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers will get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: Nichols Hills, Oklahoma City

Oregon

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Eugene, Portland, Salem

Rogue Pubs
The deal: 
Every Rogue Pub along the Oregon coast will be increasing the discount available to members of the Coast Guard and their families. They're getting 25% off beer and 50% off food. 
When: January 15 through the end of the shutdown
Where: Astoria, Newport

Pennsylvania

Condado Tacos
The deal:
 Condado will be serving up free tacos to furloughed government employees. No purchase is necessary, but you do have to show your government ID. The offer is valid at all 10 Condado locations, though only one is located in Pennsylvania.
When: January 16-23
Where: Pittsburgh

South Carolina

Banditos Cantina
The deal: All federal workers going without pay can grab a free order of Banditos tacos when they show a valid government ID. 
When: January 9-end of the shutdown
Where: Myrtle Beach

South Dakota

Northwestern Energy
The deal: The energy company has announced a plan to help furloughed workers. Details on that can be found here.
When: Ongoing
Where: Across the state

Tennessee

Dierks Bentley's Whiskey Row
The deal: Federal workers get a free entrée when they flash their government ID. 
When: January 18-20
Where: Nashville

Farm Burger
The deal:
 All 11 Farm Burger locations are offering a free chicken burger, fries, and an iced tea every Friday to furloughed workers who show a valid ID. There are two locations in Tennessee.
When: Every Friday until the shutdown ends
Where: Memphis, Nashville

H&T's Home Cooking
The deal:
 Take 25% off your order if you're a furloughed worker.
When: Ongoing
Where: Nashville

Hopdoddy
The deal: Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: Memphis, Nashville

M.L.Rose Craft Beer & Burgers
The deal:
There are a couple of offers available here. On January 24 and 31, the M.L. Rose Food Truck will offer a free cheeseburger and waffle fries to the first 100 federal employees who show up between 11am and 1:30pm. (It's at Street Eats, 4th Ave and Deaderick Street.) After those 100 burgers are gone, federal workers can get a cheeseburger and waffle fries for $5. At the Capitol View location, federal workers can get the $5 deal anytime during the shutdown. 
When: January 17-31
Where: Nashville

Philly & Burgers
The deal: Get 20% off your dinner order if you're a furloughed government employee.
When: Ongoing
Where: Antioch

Romano's Macaroni Grill
The deal:
 Get a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs & Spaghetti order if you're a furloughed employee.
When: Until January 31 or whenever the shutdown ends, 11am-4pm
Where: Murfreesboro, Opry Mills 

Surreal Spice Creations
The deal:
 Federal workers get 20% off their meals and the restaurant will give out 20 free meals every Saturday (first come, first serve). You need to bring in this coupon and your federal ID. 
When: As long as the shutdown lasts
Where: Antioch

Taziki's Mediterranean Cafe
The deal: Bring in your ID to get 25% off your order, reports WSMV.
When: Contact the restaurant for details
Where: Nashville

Texas

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The deal:
 All month long, furloughed workers can see a movie for free. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and isn't good on any "specialty programming." Present your ID and you'll get one free movie ticket
When: Throughout January
Where: Corpus Christi, Dallas-Fort Worth, Las Colinas

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Fort Worth, Southlake

Hopdoddy
The deal: Throughout the shutdown, furloughed workers will get 25% off their check when they show their gov't ID. On January 23, they'll get a full meal on the house. The meal will include a burger, fries, and a non-alcoholic beverage. 
When: Ongoing discount, free meal January 23
Where: Addison, Austin, College Station, Dallas, Euless, Fort Worth, Houston, Round Rock, San Antonio, Southlake

Rock and Brews
The deal:
 Everything may be bigger in Texas, but this deal is the same as it is in other states. TSA employees are invited to grab a free pulled pork sandwich or salad at the chain owned Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley of KISS. 
When: Until it ends
Where: The Colony, San Antonio

Utah

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Holladay, Lehi, Logan, Ogden, St. George, Taylorsville, Vineyard

Vermont

The Friendly Toast
The deal: The restaurant is offering a free meal for you and a guest if you're a federal employee affected by the government shutdown. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Burlington

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Burlington

Virginia

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The deal:
 All month long, furloughed workers can see a movie for free. The offer is valid Monday through Thursday and isn't good on any "specialty programming." Present your ID and you'll get one free movie ticket
When: Throughout January
Where: Ashburn, Charlottesville, Winchester, Woodbridge

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Alexandria, Ashburn, Burke, Charlottesville, Herndon, Lorton, Midlothian, Mechanicsville, Vienna, Warrenton

Jaleo
The deal: Pick up a free flauta de jamon serrano daily between 2-5pm if you're carrying your government ID. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Arlington

MOD Pizza
The deal:
 Grab a free MOD-size pizza or salad if you're a federal worker going without pay. 
When: January 23
Where: Ashburn, Fairfax, Gainesville, Purcellville, Reston, Vienna, Woodbridge

Washington

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Bellingham

Kaladi Brothers Coffee
The deal:
 All out of work federal workers get a free Red Goat brewed coffee in any size with free refills all day.
When: Until it's all over with
Where: Seattle 

Mioposto Pizzeria
The deal:
 Federal workers with an ID get 1% off their order for every day of the shutdown that has passed. So, on day 25, you'd get 25% off. 
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: Mercer Island, Seattle

shutdown food deals
Courtesy of Kraft

Washington, DC

America Eats Tavern
The deal:
 America Eats is one of six DC-area restaurants participating in an initiative from chef Jose Andres. From 2-5pm daily, federal workers can line up to be served a free pulled pork sandwich. 
When: daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC

Beefsteak
The deal: Furloughed workers can get a free beetsteak burger. 
When: daily until it all ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC (Tenleytown, Dupont, and Foggy Bottom locations)

Brother Jimmy's
The deal: For one week, federal employees can get a free lunch at select Brother Jimmy's locations. “Given the current government shutdown, we wanted to provide our federal employees with complimentary lunch to show our appreciation,” says Jimmy Goldman, Founder of Brother Jimmy.
When: January 23-25
Where: Washington DC

China Chilcano
The deal: Federal employees can get a free pan con pollo when they show an ID. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC

Friendship Hospital for Animals
The deal: The Animal hospital notes in a post on Facebook that emergencies always happen at the worst time. So, as long as the shutdown lasts, it's waiving its emergency exam fee and "offering deferred extended payment options" for furloughed government employees and contractors. 
When: Throughout the shutdown
Where: Washington, DC

Jaleo
The deal: Pick up a free flauta de jamon serrano daily between 2-5pm if you're carrying your government ID. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC

Kraft Grocery Store
The deal:
 Kraft food has put together a pop-up grocery store where furloughed employees can get a free bag of groceries. More details here
When: January 16-20
Where: Washington, DC

Lyft
The deal:
Lyft and the United Way have partnered to offer free rides to furloughed workers in the DC area. Contact DC 2-1-1 to get a code for two free rides (up to $10 per ride).
When: Through February 2
Where: Washington, DC

Oyamel
The deal: Stop in for a free torta suadro once you flash your federal ID. 
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC

UNO Pizzeria & Grill
The deal:
 When you dine-in with your federal ID, you can get a free personal-size deep dish or Chicago thin crust pizza.
When: Until the shutdown concludes
Where: Washington DC

Zaytinya
The deal: Get a free order of chicken shawarma with your government ID.
When: Daily until the shutdown ends, 2-5pm
Where: Washington, DC

Wisconsin

Casablanca
The deal:
Federal workers are being offered a free lunch buffet on weekdays with proper ID. 
When: Weekdays, 11am-3pm until the shutdown ends
Where: Milwaukee

Great Harvest
The deal: The bakery has put together a "Shutdown Shelf" where furloughed workers can pick up food if they need help putting bread on the table
When: Until the shutdown ends
Where: La Crosse, Neenah

Wisconsin Chamber Orchestra
The deal: Federal workers can get free tickets to the chamber orchestra's January 25 performance, "Masterworks" with cellist Miriam Smith. 
When: January 25
Where: Madison

Other Food Deals

Below are some other deals that include free food in the month of January. They aren't necessarily related to the shutdown, but they are offering free grub. 

Papa Murphy's
The deal: 
The take-and-bake chain is offering 100,000 totally free pizzas. Get a large pizza with up to five topping when you sign up for the chain's text alerts. Details here
When: January 23-27

Bruegger's Bagels
The deal: From open until 11am, members of Bruegger's Bagels Inner Circle (or if you just grab the offer off its website), you can get three free bagels with any purchase. That means you can buy a coffee and grab a trio of bagels. 
When: January 31

Jack in the Box
The deal: Use the Jack in the Box app to grab a free chicken sandwich or free hamburger with any purchase in honor of National Opposite Day. Not sure what this is the opposite of, but it's definitely some free grub. 
When: January 25-27

Carrabba's Italian Grill
The deal: Order one of Carrabba's three signature dishes and you'll get a free order of lasagne or spaghetti to take home. 
When: January 22-31

Potbelly
The deal:
 If you pick up two items off Potbelly's underground menu, you'll get a freebie off that same menu, as long as you're a Perks member.
When: Through January 31

More Deals?

If you know of any deals we missed, shoot us an email to news@thrillist.com and we'll add 'em here. 

Want more free food and food deals? Here's our running list of all the free food you can get right now. We even have a roundup of the best pizza deals you can get from national chains. You're welcome.


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Dustin Nelson is a News Writer with Thrillist. Follow him @dlukenelson.