According to the Arizona Department of Economic Security’s latest report, 855,273 Arizonans relied on SNAP benefits to put food on the table.
But with those benefits now paused, thousands of families are suddenly facing uncertainty about their next meal.
While much is still unknown, communities across Arizona are coming together to stay strong. Local organizations, food banks and small businesses are stepping up to help fill the gap.
Here in Tucson, restaurants are opening their doors to make sure no one goes hungry.
If you or someone you know is in need of a meal, below is an ongoing list of restaurants currently providing free meals in Tucson.
Where to Find Free Meals in Tucson
Ceres
77 W. Washington St, Tucson, AZ 85701
Starting Nov. 1, both Ceres and Noodies will be offering free uncooked short-cut pasta to anyone losing their SNAP benefits (while supplies last). The pasta cooks quickly, lasts a week in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for later use. You can also pick up at the Rillito Farmers Market on Sunday.
Espresso Art Cafe
942 E University Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Espresso Art Cafe is offering a free bagel with cream cheese (or butter) to anyone who presents their SNAP card! While supplies last.
Hotdogs 501
1111 N. Main Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Starting Nov. 1, Hotdogs 501 will provide free meals for children whose families have been affected by the shutdown. Each child will receive a free hotdog or three tacos. Service runs Tuesday through Saturday, 10:30 a.m. to 7 p.m., while supplies last.
Houlden’s Rise Above
5029 E. 5th St, Tucson, Arizona 85711
Starting Friday, Nov. 7, Houlden’s Rise Above will offer free scratch-made take & heat meals for anyone facing food insecurity. Simply ask for the “lunch special.” A sample meal includes pasta, red sauce, homemade Italian style vegan meatballs, roasted broccoli and a cookie. While supplies last.
Joyful Bouqcakes
Tucson, AZ (contact via social media for details)
Joyful Bouqcakes recognizes that celebrations can easily be overlooked during challenging times. To help families and individuals mark special moments, they’re offering free personal-size cakes for birthdays and milestones. Send them a direct message on Facebook.
Just Kabab
10420 N. La Cañada Dr, Suite 160, Oro Valley, AZ 85737
Through the end of November (closed Mondays), Just Kabab will provide a free frozen ready-to-heat meal to anyone who presents their EBT card. There is a limit of two meals per card. While supplies last.
Katsu House × Brick Box × @MissFireBites
220 E. Broadway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85701
Starting Nov. 3, Katsu House will provide one free meal per person to anyone in need– SNAP recipient, furloughed federal employee, etc. The meal includes teriyaki chicken, white rice and steamed vegetables, while supplies last.
Kingfisher Bar & Grill
2564 E. Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85716
Kingfisher Bar & Grill will open its doors on Sunday, Nov. 2, 9, 16 2025, from noon to 2 p.m. to serve free meals to furloughed federal workers, SNAP recipients and anyone in need. Approximately 300 meals will be provided on a first-come, first-served basis. The effort is made possible through the generosity of Kingfisher employees who are donating their time, along with support from Shamrock Foods, Peddler’s Son and Greco Foods.
Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing
2545 E. Speedway Blvd #115, Tucson, AZ 85716
Kneller’s Delicatessen & Appetizing will provide those with an EBT card a free egg sandwich or day-old bagels, while supplies last. Owner Jeremy Kneller is also hosting a food drive for canned and dry goods benefiting the Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona.
Noodies
1730 E. Speedway Blvd, Tucson, AZ 85719
Starting Nov. 1, both Noodies and Ceres will be offering free uncooked short-cut pasta to anyone losing their SNAP benefits (while supplies last). The pasta cooks quickly, lasts a week in the refrigerator, or can be frozen for later use. You can also pick up at the Rillito Farmers Market on Sunday.
Saffron Indian Bistro
7607 N. Oracle Rd, Oro Valley, AZ
From Nov. 5 through 7, Saffron Indian Bistro will provide a free lunch box to-go to anyone who shows their EBT card. While supplies last.
Snack at Boxyard
238 N. Fourth Ave, Tucson, AZ 85705
Beginning Nov. 3, Snack at Boxyard will offer a daily free sack lunch to anyone who presents an EBT card. While supplies last.
Vera Earl Premium Beef
3282 Hwy 82, Sonoita AZ
Anyone with a valid EBT card can stop by Vera Earl Premium Beef once per week to receive up to 3lbs of certain cuts of beef. While supplies last.
Wild West Carniceria
Carnicería Wild West – 4825 N. First Ave, Tucson, AZ 85718
Wild West Mini Market – 4889 W. Ajo Hwy, Tucson, AZ 85757
Wild West Mini Market – 2485 N. Swan Rd, Suite 111, Tucson, AZ 85712
Carnicería El Novillo – 7885 E. Golf Links Rd, Tucson, AZ 85730
Throughout November, Wild West Carniceria is offering free kids’ meals—including mini tacos, nachos, burritos or quesadillas—to every child who shows a SNAP/EBT card or school ID. Meals are available Monday through Friday, 1 to 4:30 p.m., while supplies last.
Free Meals in Tucson Map
To make it easier to find restaurants providing meal assistance, I’ve included an interactive map with each participating location listed in this guide.
Know of More Restaurants?
This resource guide originally began as an Instagram post, but I want it to live here where it can be continuously updated. If you are a restaurant offering free meals in Tucson, or if you know of one, then please email me at contact@happilypink.com.
I’m consistently in awe of how quickly our Tucson community comes together to support one another.
