The United States government is on track for what could become the longest shutdown in the nation’s history. With no timeline for an agreement yet between Republicans and Democrats in Congress, the shutdown has already impacted federal workers and will soon affect people who rely on SNAP benefits — which are set to be cut off on Saturday.

These local businesses are offering free meals and assistance during the shutdown.

Poor Richards: Once a week during the government shutdown, federal employees and their families can pick up free meals and drinks from Poor Richards. This applies to all federal workers who have been furloughed, dismissed or are working without pay. They are accepting donations to offset costs and provide more meals at the registers of their businesses.

Chicken Salad Chick: Children eat free at all Colorado Springs Chicken Salad Chick locations, including Monument. According to the company’s Facebook post, any child visiting will receive a free Kid’s Meal until SNAP benefits are restored. The limit is one kid’s meal per child, per visit; the child must be present for dine-in meals. No purchase is necessary for the free meal.

Bella’s Bagels: Federal employees will be given a 30% off their total order. A valid ID is required at the time of checkout. This discount will be available until Nov. 2, according to the restaurant’s Facebook page. Find the store at 3582 Blue Horizon View Dr.

Heart of Jerusalem Cafe: The Heart of Jerusalem Cafe is offering free kids’ meals at all locations. The limit is one free kid’s meal per child for dine-in meals. The child is required to be present at the meal. Meals will be offered every day until SNAP benefits are restored, according to the company’s Facebook page.

Patton Peak: An hour outside of Colorado Springs, in Lake George, a small business is also offering assistance during the shutdown. Once a month, Patton Peak is offering a ‘snack pack’ to all with SNAP benefits. The pack will include 1 granola bag, 2 bars and 1 family-size Goldfish. Those wanting to pick up a pack must be a Colorado resident and send proof of SNAP membership via Facebook Messenger.

More resources and how to help:

Harrison D2 Schools: Harrison District 2 has shared three Amazon lists with the community in an effort to keep the on-campus food pantries stocked during this time. These pantries are exclusively for their students and are designed to support them through difficult times, according to their Facebook post.

Harrison D2 has also compiled a list of food pantries around Colorado Springs that anyone can visit. Find the list here.

Wildwood Food Pantry: This pantry, located at Church in the Wildwood, 10585 Ute Pass Avenue in Green Mountain Falls, has been providing food to those who need help since 2010. They serve families in need on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month, keeping pace with escalating need among community members, despite being entirely privately supported, according to their press release. Individuals wishing to support this pantry with in-kind donations can email grocery gift cards to pantry@wildwooducc.org; and current most-needed items include canned proteins, such as chicken, spam, and chili.

City of Colorado Springs: Mayor Yemi and the City of Colorado Springs are coordinating community resources to connect residents to food assistance, utility support, and related services. “In Colorado Springs, we will not stand by while our neighbors go hungry – not our children, not our seniors, and not our residents living with disabilities,” said Mayor Yemi Mobolade, in the press release. Community members in need of assistance can visit ColoradoSprings.gov/ShutdownResources for local resources.

(Did we miss a location that is offering food assistance for federal workers and children? Contact the writer at brenna.mcgowan@gazettedev.gazette.com)