PORTLAND, Ore. — Pacific Northwest fast-food chain Burgerville has announced a limited-time offer of free meals for children whose families rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), commonly known as food stamps.
The move comes after millions of Americans temporarily lost access to their SNAP benefits on Nov. 1, following a partial federal government shutdown. The benefits have since been ordered partially restored by a federal court ruling, though it remains unclear how much aid will be released or how quickly funds will reach recipients.
SNAP supports roughly one in eight Americans, with the program costing about $8 billion per month nationwide. In Oregon alone, nearly 750,000 people depend on SNAP to put food on the table — many of them children.
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Helping Families Through Uncertainty
Local restaurants and small businesses across Oregon and Washington have been stepping up to support those affected. On Monday, Burgerville announced that it would provide free food to help families bridge the gap during the disruption.
“We really just wanted to ease the worries for families on where one daily meal will come from,” said Clare Clancy, Burgerville’s spokesperson. “We’re grateful to be in the position to help those in need.”
Clancy emphasized that the decision was not political, but rooted in the company’s long-standing mission to “serve with love.”
“We don’t want to see anyone go hungry, especially children,” she said.
Details of the Free Meal Program
Through Nov. 9, Burgerville is offering a free kids’ hamburger or cheeseburger basket to families who show a valid SNAP card and bring a child with them. The promotion is available for in-store and drive-thru orders only, not for delivery.
Each kids’ basket includes a burger, fries, and a drink, totaling about 350 to 400 calories, according to the company’s nutritional information.
In addition to the free meals, Burgerville is also helping raise money for local food banks. Customers can round up their total at checkout through Nov. 9 to donate their spare change. On Nov. 10, from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m., the restaurant chain will donate 20% of all sales to nearby food banks.
Community Commitment and Local Sourcing
Founded in Vancouver, Washington, Burgerville has earned a reputation as a regionally focused chain that prioritizes local sourcing and seasonal ingredients. According to its website, more than 75% of its ingredients are produced within 400 miles of its corporate headquarters.
This fall, the company’s menu highlights include a pumpkin milkshake, apple crumble sundae, and harvest cider iced tea — all featuring locally grown produce.
Continuing to Serve Amid Uncertainty
For families struggling to make ends meet during the SNAP funding pause, Burgerville’s initiative offers a welcome sense of relief and solidarity.
Free meals will continue to be available through 11 p.m. on Nov. 9, or until SNAP benefits are fully reinstated, whichever comes first.
“This is about community,” Clancy added. “We believe everyone deserves to feel cared for — especially when times are hard.”
As families wait for federal assistance to resume, Burgerville’s small act of kindness is helping ensure that children across the Pacific Northwest don’t go hungry.
