Chicago Restaurant Provides Free Meals to SNAP Recipients Amid Cuts

A restaurant in Chicago has taken significant steps to support residents affected by recent cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Starting from this week, **Love is**, owned by **Quentin Love** and **Tiffany Burrell**, is offering free hot meals every Tuesday from noon until 3 p.m. The initiative aims to assist those struggling with food insecurity as many individuals and families rely heavily on SNAP benefits.

The first day of the program saw people lining up hours before the doors opened, eager for a warm meal. Recipients expressed their gratitude, emphasizing that the meals are not only sustenance but also a demonstration of community support. “This meal comes from a place of love, kindness, and empathy,” said one recipient, highlighting the personal connection the restaurant fostered.

On the morning of the first meal distribution, Love and his staff prepared plates featuring chicken, Jamaican steamed cabbage, and other comforting dishes. “The labor of love right now is to make sure everybody in Chicago gets food,” Love stated, underscoring the urgency of the situation. He is calling on fellow restaurant owners to unite in the fight against food insecurity, saying, “All restaurants gotta be all-hands-on-deck so we can get past this food insecurity piece at this time.”

Love, a Marine veteran, opened his global soul food fusion restaurant three years ago. Burrell added, “We need to make an impact. We need to show everyone that they have someone to lean on, and that’s basically what we’re here to do.” Their dedication resonates with community members like **Lind Mitchell**, who noted how much the effort means to her family. “It’s helping me real good, and I appreciate everything that they’re trying to do for us,” she shared.

The response from the community has been overwhelmingly positive. **Robert Williams**, a resident of the Austin neighborhood, praised Love’s efforts, saying, “He’s a good man for doing this, helping people out in a time of need—he’s great.” As residents face delays in SNAP funding, the generosity displayed by the restaurant offers a beacon of hope and support.

So far, **Love is** has raised over **$4,000** to fund this initiative. Love expressed a strong commitment to continue providing these meals as long as there is a need, even considering expansion to their second location in Beverly if necessary. “We’re all in this together. We’re all one big happy family, and we all must get involved 100 percent,” he affirmed.

This initiative not only addresses immediate food needs but also fosters a sense of community and solidarity among Chicagoans during a challenging time.