SNAP Benefits Assistance

By Eat Local / November 08, 2025

With the government’s current hold on SNAP benefits, many local restaurants have jumped in to support local families in need. Here is a quick list of that assistance in the Bloomington-Normal area.

Many restaurants have not listed end dates, so please confirm details with restaurant directly before visiting.

Country Aire Restaurant

Starting November 7th, they will offer FREE kids meals from their kids menu to families who could use a helping hand.

From their FB page: “Seeing the smiles on the faces of our young visitors brings us immense joy, and we’re looking forward to welcoming you and sharing in that joy. Please join us and don’t hesitate to ask our staff for details. This will be for a limited time.”

Fiesta Ranchera

FREE KID’S MEALS and $5 hot meals will be available for families impacted by the loss of benefits – every MONDAY and WEDNESDAY from 5pm-8pm continuing until SNAP benefits are restored.

4 KIDS MEALS TO CHOOSE FROM:

Taco, rice & beans
Enchilada, rice & beans
Burrito, rice & beans
Chicken Nuggets & Fries

*Child must be present; $5 hot meals for all other customers. Hot meal includes choosing 3 items to create a combo plate. Choose from: Taco, burrito, enchilada, chalupa, tostada, or rice & beans. (Ground beef or shredded chicken.)

Must present EBT card before ordering. Dine in only.

Available at the following locations:

2103 N Veterans Pkwy, Bloomington, IL 61704
604 IAA Drive, Bloomington, IL 61701

Hacienda Leon

FREE KID’S MEALS will be available for families impacted by the loss of benefits – continuing until SNAP benefits are restored.

4 MEALS TO CHOOSE FROM:

Taco, rice & beans
Enchilada, rice & beans
Burrito, rice & beans
Chicken Nuggets & Fries

Child must be present. One meal per child (12 under) per visit & Must present EBT card with parent. Dine in only) Please notify waiter or Manager before ordering.

Hy-Vee

Hy-Vee will continue to provide $3 meals for families until Nov. 14 at all stores with hot food service. These meals will continue to be available for children ages 12 and under for free. For everyone else, the same meal will be available for $3, with options for dine-in or takeout.

Below is the menu that will be offered through Friday, Nov. 14.

Saturday, Nov. 8 AND Sunday, Nov. 9: Breakfast buffet featuring scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage links, piece of fruit and donut holes (7-10 a.m.)
Monday, Nov. 10: Chicken alfredo with penne and garlic toast (4-7 p.m.)
Tuesday, Nov. 11: Chicken or pork & vegetables with steamed rice, appetizer and fortune cookie* (4-7 p.m.)
Wednesday, Nov. 12: Breakfast for Dinner featuring scrambled eggs with cheese, sausage links, fresh fruit and a cinnamon roll (4-7 p.m.)
Thursday, Nov. 13: Chicken hind quarter (drumstick and thigh), potato salad, chocolate chip cookie (4-7 p.m.)
Friday, Nov. 14: Sloppy Joe sandwich with seasoned green beans (4-7 p.m.)

This week, Hy-Vee also launched a register round-up campaign that allows customers to support local food pantries in their communities by rounding up their purchases at checkout. Customers can also purchase $5 and $10 food bank donation bundles, which will be donated to a designated pantry in each store’s community to assist families in need.

Pizza Payaa

Free one-topping pizza for kids under 18. Simply show your SNAP card and matching ID, and they’ll make one free pizza per child.

From their Facebook page: “With SNAP benefits currently suspended, we know many families are facing a difficult time. We want to do our part to help. We’ll continue this offer as long as we’re able while SNAP remains suspended.“

Taco John’s

Taco John’s is offering a Community Special: Free Bean or Beef Burrito and order of Potato Oles. (This was listed as available through 11/2 and may or may not still be available.)

Tony’s Tacos

Tony’s Tacos would like to offer a FREE Burrito Meal to our elderly (60+) SNAP neighbors.

**Available at both Bloomington and Normal locations Monday – Friday 2 pm to 6 pm only; Please be prepared to provide your ID and SNAP card to redeem your meal. Dine-in only. Valid through 11/30/25.

The Hornet’s Nest

Starting November 7th they will be giving Free Kids Meals, no questions asked. This will continue until further notice.

From the Hornet’s Nest Facebook page: “It’s a temporary fix but we hope it will help the families that desperately need it. Thank you from the staff of the Hornets nest.“