With the recent pause in SNAP benefits, two Tucson restaurants are stepping in to help. Katsu House and Carnicería Wild West are providing free meals throughout November to ensure that families and children do not go hungry.
Katsu House launches free meal program for SNAP cardholders
Katsu House is offering free meals to Tucson residents with SNAP cards starting Wednesday, November 5, in response to the lapse in SNAP benefits this month.
The locally owned eatery partnered with Brick Box Brewery, @missfirebites, and @booksandbitestucson to help ensure no child or family goes hungry. “Let’s show up for our community Tucson,” the restaurant shared in a recent post.
Each free meal includes teriyaki chicken, white rice, and steamed vegetables, available to anyone presenting a SNAP card. The restaurant limits one meal per person each day while supplies last.
Katsu House encourages the community to participate, whether by stopping in for a meal or donating to help sustain the program. Guests can contribute directly at checkout or by contacting the restaurant.
Katsu House is located in Brick Box Brewery at 220 E. Broadway Blvd. Keep up with Katsu House on Instagram.
Carnicería Wild West serves free meals for kids
Meanwhile, Carnicería Wild West, Wild West Mini Markets, and Carnicería El Novillo are offering free kids meals every weekday from 1 to 4:30 p.m. throughout November. The program is open to all children with a SNAP or EBT card, or a school ID.
The participating locations include:
- Carnicería Wild West: 4825 N. 1st Ave.
- Wild West Mini Market: 4889 W. Ajo Hwy
- Wild West Mini Market (Swan): 2485 N. Swan Rd.
- Carnicería El Novillo: 7885 E. Golf Links Rd.
Each child can choose from a special menu that includes:
- Two mini tacos (asada or chicken)
- Two mini burritos (bean and rice or bean and cheese)
- Mini nachos with cheese
- Mini quesadilla with cheese
“We believe no child should go hungry — and together, we can make a difference,” the group shared in its community announcement.
Read our article Kingfisher to Serve Free Meals to Furloughed Workers Nov. 2.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
