Savannah restaurant owner offers free kids meals amid SNAP benefits uncertainty

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - With SNAP benefits in limbo, many in our area are stepping up to help those in need.

One organization serves several counties and already helps single mothers and guardians. Now, they’re working to do more.

Shelter from the Rain executive director told us November and December are the months where they receive the most donations for single mothers.

While some of it can be for food, many of those mothers receive benefits so it’s not usually their focal point.

Now that SNAP benefits are uncertain, they’re working with local food pantries to make sure they have non-perishable food items.

Some of that help will include gift cards for the mothers they serve. Sponsors who usually donate for holidays needs, are shifting that focus to make sure families are fed.

The organization is located in Savannah, but Jennifer Graham says mothers from all across the Coastal Empire can receive that help, as long as they can get to the office.

Her main concern is that families will be in a crisis if this shutdown doesn’t end soon.

“We’ve never entered a time where they didn’t have SNAP benefits so I’m a little concerned with what that’s going to look like for the families that we serve with the limited resources that they already have,” said Graham.

Owner of Katrina’s Mexican Grill in Savannah shares her story as a single mother, now helping others

One restaurant owner says she remembers what needing help felt like.

Now, every child that comes in can get a free meal.

At Katrina’s Mexican Grill in Savannah, it’s busy. Maidai Rodriguez, the owner has two locations and she’s worked hard to build them up.

The journey for her, started alone, struggling to make ends meet for her son.

“Many years ago I was a single mom raising my child three years old, by myself,” said Rodriguez.

Rodriguez and her son, who’s not so little anymore, work together to serve authentic Mexican cuisine every day.

Now, she’s serving in a different way as SNAP benefits for families across the nation are uncertain.

“When I bring those moments back, it was like woah, a lot of parents, they’re going to be struggling the same, like I did before. The they’re not going to have something to feed to their kids by the end of the day,” said Rodriguez.

Every kid, ages 10 and under, that comes in can get a free kid’s meal.

No questions asked.

“If God has been blessing us you know, with one or two restaurants and if we have a plate of food that we can share, why not,” said Rodriguez.

It’s something she wished she had as she tried to figure life out years ago.

She says her son is her inspiration and reason to keep going.

Looking where to get aid in the Coastal Empire, Lowcountry as SNAP benefits run out? Click here.