This Mexican restaurant is offering free food to help the local community “no questions asked”

The government shutdown has dragged on for a full month, leaving millions of government workers without a paycheck. The Trump administration also threatened to suspend Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting 1 November saying that funds had “run dry.”

While judges have ordered that the US Department of Agriculture fund SNAP and the president said it would comply, he said that they needed guidance adding, “even if we get immediate guidance, [funding] will unfortunately be delayed.”

The hardship presented by these two situations prompted a franchise of Taco John’s to offer a “Community Special” free meal, “no questions asked.” The grassroots initiative quickly spread nationwide “demonstrating the deep local ties and generosity of franchise owners,” the company said in a statement.

How to get a “no questions asked” free meal at Taco John’s

The renamed “Community Support Special” will be available at Taco John’s restaurants from Friday 31 October through Sunday 2 November 2025. The offer includes a beef or bean burrito and a junior Potato Olés, availability may vary by location warns the company. Guests can get one free meal from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, no questions asked, no documentation needed.

In addition to the free Community Support Special initiative, the company announced that on Thursday 6 November the Taco John’s Foundation will make a donation to local food banks for every Taco Bravo sold that day.

“We’re proud to be giving back to our communities who have supported us since 1969,” said Heather Neary, President & CEO of Taco John’s International in a press release.

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