Minnesota Businesses Support Federal Workers With Freebies During Government Shutdown

The federal government shutdown has created financial uncertainty for thousands of federal employees and their families across Minnesota. In response, numerous businesses and organizations in the state have stepped forward to offer free meals, discounted services, and complimentary admissions to affected workers. These gestures of support provide both immediate relief and a reminder of the community's appreciation for public service during challenging times.

Entertainment and Cultural Venue Offers

Several Minnesota entertainment venues have extended special offers to federal employees affected by the government shutdown. These opportunities provide families with affordable or no-cost entertainment options during a period of financial strain.

The Alamo Drafthouse Cinema in Woodbury has implemented a particularly generous program, offering all federal employees free movies throughout the month of January on Mondays through Thursdays. Eligible employees receive one free ticket per day with presentation of a federal ID at the box office. The free ticket covers any new or current release film, though it cannot be used for specialty programming such as advance screenings or movie parties. Importantly, this offer extends only to the federal employee themselves, not to guests.

The Science Museum of Minnesota has also demonstrated significant support for furloughed workers, beginning January 15th. Affected federal employees receive free combination exhibit gallery and Omnitheater admission for themselves and up to three guests. The museum requires only that employees bring and show their badge. During this period, visitors can enjoy "Omnifest," featuring five films on the big screen including "Journey to Space," "National Parks Adventure," "Ring of Fire," "The Greatest Places," and "Tornado Alley." Additionally, the museum offers a separate promotion where all visitors can receive up to four free kids' admissions with each paid adult admission for their four-part Science Fusion event series on Saturdays from January 12th to February 2nd.

The Minnesota Children's Museum has joined in this effort by offering free admission to federal employees affected by the government shutdown. The museum extends this offer to include family members, with employees simply required to show their government ID at the box office to receive complimentary entry. This initiative allows families to enjoy educational and entertaining activities without the added financial burden during the shutdown period.

For those interested in live performances, the Minnesota Orchestra has announced that furloughed federal government employees are eligible for two complimentary tickets to attend a Minnesota Orchestra concert of their choice. The offer covers all Classical, Symphony in 60 and Inside the Classics concerts through June 2019, subject to availability. To obtain these tickets, employees must reserve them before Thursday, February 28, 2019, either online or by phone at 612-371-5656, using the promo code FEDERAL. When picking up tickets at the Box Office, a government-issued ID is required.

The Harlem Globetrotters have also announced support for federal employees affected by the shutdown, offering complimentary game tickets to any U.S. government employee currently on furlough to their 2019 Fan Powered North American tour. While the shows in Minnesota are scheduled for March, the team encourages eligible employees to try to obtain tickets now, though the offer is contingent on the shutdown status at the time of the performances.

Restaurant and Food Discounts

Numerous restaurants and food establishments across Minnesota and the nation have extended discounts and free meals to federal workers during the government shutdown. These offers provide significant financial relief to employees and their families who are facing delayed or absent paychecks.

In the Twin Cities area, Funky Grits has implemented a substantial discount program, offering all Federal Government employees working in the Twin Cities area who are affected by the government shutdown 50% OFF their entire order. The restaurant, located at 805 East 38th Street in Minneapolis, requires employees to show reasonable credentials such as a badge or card to receive the discount.

Great Harvest Bread Company has extended support to federal employees nationwide, with more than 50 locations offering free bread to those impacted by the partial government shutdown. While there are multiple participating locations across the country, Minnesota has one participating store in Rochester that is offering this benefit to affected federal employees.

The Herbivorous Butcher, a vegan specialty shop, has also shown support for federal workers by offering a 20% discount on all vegan meats and cheeses. Employees simply need to show their ID when visiting the shop during the shutdown period to receive this discount.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop implemented a limited-time promotion for federal employees, offering buy-one-get-one-free entrees nationwide from Wednesday, January 23rd to Sunday, January 27th. Employees must present their ID to take advantage of this offer.

Punch Bowl Social Minneapolis has extended a 25% discount on all food, beverages, and games to any federal government employee until the shutdown concludes. This offer, extended as a gesture of support to the estimated 800,000 federal employees and their families personally impacted across the nation, including those in the Twin Cities, requires employees to show their federal government ID.

Romano's Macaroni Grill has created a day-by-day promotion, offering all furloughed federal government employees a free Mom's Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti for every day the government shutdown remains in effect. This ongoing offer provides consistent value to employees throughout the duration of the shutdown.

Beyond Minnesota, several national chains have also extended support to federal workers during shutdowns. TGI Fridays has provided free daily meals to Transportation Safety Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers through October 23rd at more than 80 U.S. locations, including airports (except Atlanta airport locations, which have an independent deal for TSA employees). Eligible workers must present valid employee ID to receive the deal.

In Washington, D.C., &pizza has offered federal workers 30% off their orders through Sunday, October 12th, requiring employees to show their federal or military ID in stores. Compass Coffee, also D.C.-based, has offered a free pastry with any drink purchase when federal workers show their ID.

The Hard Rock Cafe's Washington D.C. location has provided government workers with all-day Happy Hour specials including $3 domestic drafts, $6 single well liquor, $5 select wines, and food deals starting at $8, plus $12 entrées. This offer is available in the bar and lounge only and requires presentation of a government ID.

Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine has offered furloughed government employees a free entrée (valued at up to $20) at all 26 locations across the southern U.S. from October 13th through October 31st, requiring a valid government ID for redemption.

SNAP Benefits Concerns and Alternative Resources

As the government shutdown continues, significant concerns have emerged regarding the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which provide critical food assistance to low-income individuals and families across Minnesota. The shutdown has created uncertainty about the continuation of these benefits, particularly for November.

The federal government shutdown, which began on October 1st, has impacted numerous federal programs, with SNAP benefits facing particular vulnerability. According to information from the Minneapolis city government, if the shutdown continues into November, there will not be sufficient funds to pay November SNAP benefits. This potential disruption would affect over 60,000 Minneapolis community members, representing 14 percent of the city's residents who rely on these benefits for food security.

In response to this threat, Governor Tim Walz announced that the State of Minnesota would provide $4 million in emergency funds to support food shelves across the state. This financial injection aims to mitigate the impact of potential SNAP benefit disruptions on vulnerable populations.

Additionally, Attorney General Keith Ellison has co-led a coalition of 22 other attorneys general and three governors in filing suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture, which is responsible for issuing SNAP benefits, and Secretary Brooke Rolling for allegedly unlawfully suspending SNAP benefits during the shutdown. This legal action represents an attempt to ensure the continuation of essential food assistance for those who depend on it.

For residents in Otter Tail County, the local government has announced that SNAP benefits for November are at risk and may be unavailable if the shutdown continues. Despite this uncertainty, the county continues to accept and process SNAP applications, allowing them to queue applications for when the shutdown has ended. This approach ensures that individuals can still apply for benefits in preparation for when normal operations resume.

For families who may need immediate assistance during this uncertain period, additional food resources are available through local food shelves, United Way, and Ruby's Pantry. These organizations have mobilized to provide support to those affected by both the shutdown and potential disruptions to SNAP benefits.

Accessing Available Benefits

Federal employees affected by the government shutdown should be aware of the various requirements and processes for accessing the available benefits and discounts. While the specific offers vary, several common elements appear across most promotions.

The most frequently required documentation for accessing these benefits is a valid federal employee ID, such as a badge or government-issued identification card. Employees should ensure they have this form of identification readily available when visiting participating establishments. Some venues may accept alternative forms of identification, but the federal ID is the most universally accepted proof of employment.

For time-sensitive offers, such as the Potbelly Sandwich Shop's BOGO promotion or the Harlem Globetrotters ticket offer, employees should take note of expiration dates and act promptly to take advantage of these limited-time benefits. Similarly, offers with specific reservation requirements, like the Minnesota Orchestra tickets, require employees to follow the designated process within the specified timeframe.

For SNAP recipients who may experience disruptions in benefits, keeping contact information up-to-date with their county benefits office is crucial. This ensures they can receive important messages about their case status and any developments regarding benefit availability.

For those seeking to express their concerns or advocate for resolution to the shutdown, contact information for Congressional representatives is available. For example, residents can reach out to: - Office of Senator Amy Klobuchar: Phone: 202-228-2186, Toll Free: 1-888-224-9043 - Office of Senator Tina Smith: Phone: 202-224-5641 - Office of Representative Michelle Fischbach: Phone: 202-225-2165

Conclusion

The government shutdown has created significant financial challenges for federal employees and their families in Minnesota and across the nation. In response, numerous businesses and organizations have stepped forward with offers of free meals, discounted services, and complimentary admissions, demonstrating community support during difficult times.

Entertainment venues including the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema, Science Museum of Minnesota, Minnesota Children's Museum, and Minnesota Orchestra have extended special offers to affected federal employees, providing opportunities for families to enjoy activities without financial strain. Meanwhile, restaurants and food establishments ranging from Funky Grits and Great Harvest Bread Company to national chains like TGI Fridays and Potbelly Sandwich Shop have implemented discounts and free meal programs.

At the same time, concerns about SNAP benefits highlight the broader impact of the shutdown on vulnerable populations. With November benefits at risk, emergency funds have been allocated to support food shelves, and legal action has been taken to challenge the suspension of benefits. County offices continue processing applications in preparation for when normal operations resume.

For federal employees navigating these challenges, maintaining proper identification, staying informed about expiration dates, and keeping contact information current are essential steps to accessing available benefits. The combined support from businesses and government emergency measures provides a crucial safety net during this period of uncertainty.

Sources

1. Minnesota Freebies & Deals for Federal Employees During Government Shutdown
2. Restaurants and businesses offer freebies, deals for federal workers during shutdown
3. Federal update: SNAP benefits
4. Federal shutdown threatens November SNAP benefits; Minnesota counties continue accepting applications