As Florida faces a SNAP benefit disruption, several Tampa Bay restaurants are stepping up to ensure that no child goes hungry. These local eateries are showing what true community support looks like — offering free meals, snacks, and drinks to children and families impacted by the ongoing issue.
Pia’s Trattoria in Gulfport
At Pia’s Trattoria (3054 Beach Blvd S) in Gulfport, families can enjoy a comforting “Shutdown to Go Special” — complete with Pasta Pomodori, bread, and salad. Available Wednesday through Sunday between 5 p.m. and 6 p.m., this offer requires no questions and no purchase. Just visit the hostess stand at the Veranada and ask for the special. Visit their official Facebook page for updates and community messages.
Gigglewaters in Safety Harbor
Gigglewaters (737 Main Street, Safety Harbor) has launched a heartfelt initiative offering free lunches for children in need. Starting November 1, families can ask for a “GiggleBag,” which includes a simple to-go meal — one per child, no purchase necessary. The restaurant says the effort will continue “until SNAP is back.”
In a touching Facebook post, the owners wrote, “We can’t fix everything. But we can offer a meal.” Visit their official site or social media page for more details.
Orange Cycle Creamery in Tarpon Springs
Over at Orange Cycle Creamery (212 E Tarpon Ave, Tarpon Springs), compassion takes the form of free junior cups and cones for kids affected by the SNAP/EBT pause. There’s no purchase necessary and no questions asked. They’ll continue serving these treats as long as needed. Follow their Facebook page for updates.
Jack and Willie’s Tiki Bar in Oldsmar
Inspired by Gigglewaters, Jack and Willie’s Bar Grill and Tiki (1013 Saint Petersburg Drive W, Oldsmar) has joined the cause. Families can request a “Jack’s Bag” for any child in need — no purchase required. These free kids’ meals to-go will continue for as long as the SNAP shutdown lasts. Check their Facebook page for community updates.
Chicken Salad Chick in Bradenton
The kindness is spreading beyond Pinellas County. Chicken Salad Chick (5434 Lockwood Ridge Road, Bradenton) is offering free kids’ meals for children 12 and under, dine-in only, with no purchase required. “Together, we can make a difference,” the restaurant emphasized on its official site. This initiative demonstrates true community commitment.
The Living Room in Dunedin and Wesley Chapel
Both The Living Room locations — Wiregrass (2001 Piazza Ave Suite 100, Wesley Chapel) and Dunedin (487 Main St) — are providing free bagged lunches for kids. Each lunch includes a turkey & cheese or sunflower butter & jelly sandwich, fresh fruit, and a drink. This thoughtful gesture ensures that children in affected families don’t miss a meal. Visit their Facebook page for more details and updates.
The Peach Cobbler Factory in Bradenton
From November 1–2, The Peach Cobbler Factory (629 Cortez Road West, Bradenton) is offering children a comforting combo: one savory cobbler entrée (Chicken, Italian, or Turkey), a kid-sized cookie, and a drink (water or hot chocolate). This offer is dine-in only, with one combo per child per day, and no purchase required. For updates, visit their official Facebook page.
Fusion Street Eatery in Dunedin
Fusion Street Eatery (422 Patricia Avenue, Dunedin) is launching Free Kids’ Meals for families in need. “If you’ve been with us since the beginning, it will be the same as we did during COVID — no questions asked, just a meal for your little ones when you need it,” the owners announced. Keep an eye on their Facebook page for updates on meal times and offerings.
Black Radish in Tampa
Black Radish Bodega (2923 N 12th St, Tampa) is creating a “free store for the people” on November 8 and 9. Families can visit to pick up food and essential supplies. The team is also accepting donations of shoes, jackets, socks, and produce. Their Instagram post captured the spirit perfectly:
“We’re all we’ve got.”
Check Black Radish Bodega’s official Instagram for updates and donation information.
Skipper’s Smokehouse in Tampa
Beginning November 1, Skipper’s Smokehouse (910 Skipper Road, Tampa) is offering Kids Eat Free all day, Thursday through Sunday, until SNAP benefits are restored. Kids can dine from the kids’ menu, no purchase necessary, one meal per child.
Additionally, they’re partnering with Feeding Tampa Bay for a non-perishable food drive. Visitors can drop off donations to support families in need. Skipper’s emphasized, “No kid should ever go to bed hungry.” Visit their official Facebook page or website for hours and donation details.
Community Leadership and Support
Even local leaders are joining the effort. St. Pete Mayor Ken Welch announced a $20,000 donation to the St. Pete Free Clinic, anticipating the SNAP benefit suspension starting November 1. His proactive step underscores how crucial it is to support Florida families in this uncertain time.
A United Tampa Bay
These restaurants are proving that compassion is contagious. From Gulfport to Bradenton, Tampa Bay’s food scene has transformed into a network of kindness, generosity, and hope.
As more eateries join the movement, check platforms like and Feeding Tampa Bay for ongoing updates.
In moments of crisis, it’s not the headlines that feed us — it’s the hearts behind the kitchen doors. Stay tuned as Tampa Bay’s restaurants continue to remind us what true community looks like.
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