Government Shutdown Freebies And Assistance Available To Federal Workers In Mesa And The East Valley

During government shutdowns, many businesses and organizations in Mesa and the surrounding East Valley communities step forward to offer free meals, discounts, and other forms of assistance to furloughed federal workers and their families. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the freebies and support available to affected federal employees in the Mesa area.

Local Food and Dining Offers

Several restaurants in Mesa and nearby Gilbert have extended offers of free meals or discounts to federal workers affected by government shutdowns. These offers typically require proof of federal employment, such as a government ID or pay stub.

Waldo's BBQ

Waldo's BBQ, with locations in Mesa and Gilbert, has offered federal employees and their families a free meal during government shutdowns. According to information from ABC15, this deal is valid on Thursdays only from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Patrons must bring proof of federal employment to receive the complimentary meal.

Barrio Cafe

Barrio Cafe, though not specifically located in Mesa, has offered federal government workers a free meal during government shutdowns. Chef Silvana Salcido Esparza announced on Facebook that employees can receive a complimentary meal by showing their zero-net federal government pay stub. Additionally, patrons can get a free dessert and a $1 beer or margarita with their meal.

Rigatony's Authentic Italian

Rigatony's Authentic Italian has provided federal government workers affected by shutdowns with a free lunch or dinner entree each day. According to a Facebook post cited by ABC15, the offer is valid "until our government gets off the stick and gives you your paycheck back!" Patrons need to show a manager their government ID, and the offer is available for dine-in only.

Other Dining Offers in Arizona

While not all are in Mesa specifically, several other Arizona businesses have offered assistance to federal workers during shutdowns:

• The Brass Tap (downtown Gilbert): Furloughed federal workers can get 50% off "handheld menu" items (burgers, tacos, flatbreads, wraps, pizza and sliders) Monday-Thursday from open to 6 p.m.
• Sedona Pizza Company (Sedona): Federal employees can receive a complimentary meal and a non-alcoholic drink, with beer or margaritas available for $1.
• Canyon Breeze (Sedona): Similar to Sedona Pizza Company, federal workers can receive a free meal and non-alcoholic drink, with beer or margaritas available for $1.

Recreation and Entertainment Offers

Several recreation and entertainment venues have also stepped forward to offer assistance to federal workers and their families during shutdowns.

Get Air Indoor Trampoline Park

Get Air Indoor Trampoline Park, with locations in Tucson and Yuma, has offered furloughed government workers and three immediate family members one free hour of jump time on Wednesdays and Thursdays until the shutdown ends. This offer provides families with an affordable entertainment option during a financially challenging time.

YMCA of the Valley of the Sun

The Valley of the Sun YMCA has provided support to furloughed government workers in multiple ways. According to ABC15, the organization offers furloughed government workers a one-month membership. For government workers who are already YMCA members, their January dues can be waived. Non-members can receive a free month membership. To access this benefit, workers need to bring their government ID to any YMCA branch.

Service Industry Offers

Several service-oriented businesses have also extended offers to federal workers during shutdowns.

Floyd's 99 Barbershop

Floyd's 99 Barbershop has offered furloughed government workers a half-priced haircut and complimentary massage shampoo until the government shutdown ends. This service industry discount helps federal workers maintain their appearance during a period when they may be facing financial hardship.

Muscular Moving Men

The moving company Muscular Moving Men has offered workers a 10-percent discount on moves while the government remains partially shut down. This discount can provide significant savings for federal workers who may need to move or store belongings during an extended period without pay.

Financial Assistance Resources

Beyond business offers, several organizations and programs have been established to provide financial assistance to federal workers during shutdowns.

Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM)

The Shutdown Assistance Map (SAM) was created specifically to help federal employees affected by government shutdowns find support both locally and at the national level. This searchable map allows affected workers to locate offers of assistance and resources available to them. The map is maintained by volunteers and updated regularly with new offers as they become available.

Businesses and organizations that wish to support federal workers can add their listings to the map through a simple online form. Similarly, individuals interested in volunteering their time to help manage the map can submit a volunteer application form.

National Assistance Programs

Several national programs have been established to assist federal workers during shutdowns. For example, the Air Force Aid Society (AFAS) has offered zero-interest loans to Airmen, Guardians, and their families affected by government shutdowns. These interest-free loans can help cover essential expenses during periods without pay.

Additionally, federal workers are encouraged to contact their credit card providers, lenders, utilities, and other service providers to inquire about special hardship programs that may be available during shutdowns. Many companies offer payment extensions, fee waivers, or other accommodations for affected federal employees.

How to Access These Offers

To access the various offers and assistance programs available during government shutdowns, federal workers typically need to follow these steps:

1. Verify Eligibility: Most offers require proof of federal employment, such as a government ID, pay stub, or other documentation.
2. Check Offer Details: Each business may have specific terms, such as limited days or times, maximum party sizes, or restrictions on menu items.
3. Visit Participating Locations: Many offers require in-person visits to participating businesses or organizations.
4. Contact Providers Directly: For financial assistance programs, contacting providers directly is usually necessary to apply for benefits or accommodations.
5. Utilize Resources Like SAM: The Shutdown Assistance Map can help locate all available offers in one place, making it easier for affected workers to find assistance.

Impact on the Community

The offers of free meals, discounts, and assistance provided by businesses and organizations during government shutdowns have a significant impact on affected federal workers and the broader community. For workers facing financial hardship due to furloughs, these offers provide essential relief by reducing daily expenses and providing access to services they might otherwise have to forgo.

For businesses, participating in these relief efforts can generate goodwill and positive publicity. Additionally, these offers can help maintain customer relationships and potentially attract new customers who appreciate their support during difficult times.

The community as a whole benefits from these acts of support, which demonstrate solidarity with federal workers and reinforce the interconnectedness of local businesses and government employees.

Conclusion

During government shutdowns, the Mesa community and surrounding areas have demonstrated significant support for affected federal workers through a variety of offers and assistance programs. From free meals at local restaurants to discounted services and financial assistance resources, these programs provide essential relief during financially challenging times.

Federal workers affected by shutdowns should take advantage of these offers by verifying their eligibility, checking specific terms and conditions, and visiting participating locations. Resources like the Shutdown Assistance Map can help locate all available assistance in one convenient place.

As these offers demonstrate, community support plays a crucial role in helping federal workers navigate the financial difficulties caused by government shutdowns. By taking advantage of these resources, affected workers can better manage their expenses until normal government operations resume.

Sources

1. ABC15 - List of Freebies and Financial Help for Furloughed Federal Government Workers
2. KTAR - Civic-mindedness is its own reward, not freebies
3. Newsbreak - How the government shutdown almost disrupted grocery store produce
4. The Mesa Daily News Now - November discounts, fall deals and freebies around the Valley
5. MyFedBenefitsHelp - Shutdown Assistance Map