Federal employees around New York City have even more opportunities for free meals and the partial government shutdown continues on.
After a few free meal opportunities earlier this week, businesses in New York City and beyond are continuing to step up and support furloughed federal employees who soon may face their second missed paycheck.
Here’s the latest offers available, beginning Wednesday, Jan. 23.
Brother Jimmy’s free lunch for federal employees
Brother Jimmy’s, a New York-based North Carolina-style barbeque joint is offering free lunch to federal employees Wednesday, Jan. 23, through Friday, Jan. 25.
Jimmy himself — founder Jimmy Goldman — was recently traveling to St. Martin out of JFK Airport when he overheard a TSA employee asking a colleague to borrow money for lunch, according to the company, inspiring him to lend a helping hand.
Federal employees will need to show a valid ID at participating Brother Jimmy’s locations to redeem the offer. Workers affected by the shutdown can head to Brother Jimmy’s Lexington Avenue, NY; Brother Jimmy’s Madison Square Garden, NY; Brother Jimmy’s Stanford, CT; Brother Jimmy’s West Palm Beach, FL; Brother Jimmy’s White Plains, NY; and Brother Jimmy’s National Harbor, DC/Maryland.
The restaurant is offering a curated special lunch menu for federal employees. Menu items are: Sloppy Jimmy with a side of coleslaw; Two Pork Sliders with a side of mac & cheese; Cobb Salad Wrap with grilled chicken; Veggie Quesadillas; Two Pulled Chicken Tacos with a side of coleslaw; Two Cheeseburger Sliders with a side of fries; Pulled Chick Wrap with a side of string beans; Turkey Burger with a side of fries; Six Buffalo Wings with a side of tater tots; or Two Pulled Pork Tacos with a side of coleslaw. All meals are served with choice of Coors Light, Miller Lite Draft, iced tea or soda.
Harlem Food Pantry for those affected by government shutdown
The Emma L. Bowen Community Service Center, which offers everything from therapeutic preschool to elderly care services at 1727 Amsterdam Ave., is expanding its food pantry specifically to federal employees affected by the government shutdown.
Advance sign-up is required by email or phone to make sure there’s enough food stocked up for those in need. You can register by emailing foodpantry@bowencsc.org or calling (212) 683-5792.
Federal workers will need to bring their government employee ID to pick up the food. This service begins Thursday, Jan. 24 from 1 to 4 p.m., and will continue Tuesday through Thursday every week of the government shutdown, according to the service center.
Free Sweetgreen bowl for furloughed federal workers
Nationwide, large companies are helping out furloughed federal employees as well, like Sweetgreen, which is offering a free signature bowl to federal employees with their government ID on Saturday, Jan. 26, from 6 to 8 p.m.
This will be offered at all Sweetgreen locations across the country, and the fast casual chain has plenty throughout New York City. See all their locations here.
