Where to Find Free Meals in Minneapolis & St. Paul This November: A Guide for Tenants Facing SNAP Cuts
The recent suspension of SNAP benefits starting November 1st has left over 444,000 Minnesota families wondering where their next meal will come from. As your trusted property management partner, we at Housing Hub understand that food insecurity affects your ability to maintain stable housing. That's why we've compiled this comprehensive guide to free meal resources across the Twin Cities metro area this November.
The good news? Our community has stepped up in a big way. From neighborhood restaurants offering free kids' meals to food trucks serving pay-what-you-can options, there are more resources available than you might realize. Let's walk through your options city by city, so you can focus on what matters most: taking care of yourself and your family.
Free Meals in Minneapolis
Minneapolis has several reliable options for free meals throughout the week.
Hope Breakfast Bar is your go-to for morning fuel, serving free pancakes to take home from 7-9 a.m. daily with no questions asked. It's a simple way to start your day with something filling, and there's no paperwork or eligibility requirements.
For lunch options,
Cafe Racer offers free take-out meals on the last Monday of every month from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Mark November 25th on your calendar and arrive early: these meals tend to go quickly.
If you have kids,
Surly Brewing Co. recently provided free children's meals from November 4-6 (3-6 p.m., dine-in only). While that specific promotion has ended, it's worth calling them to ask about any extended offerings or future dates, as many businesses are continuing to find ways to help families throughout the month.
St. Paul: Your Hub for Community Support
St. Paul has emerged as the real champion for meal assistance, with multiple options available throughout the week. Here's your day-by-day breakdown:
Monday through Thursday: Start with
Focus MN, which provides lunch bags from 11:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. These aren't just sandwiches: they're substantial meals designed to keep you satisfied through the afternoon.
Wednesday through Saturday:
J. Selby's is offering something special: a free plant-based community bowl with absolutely no questions asked. They're open Wednesday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. You can either call ahead at 651-222-3263 or simply walk in and request your meal.
Daily Options: The
Richard M. Schulze Family Foundation St. Paul Opportunity Center (422 Dorothy Day Place) serves to-go meals every single day from 4:30-5:15 p.m. If you need more information, you can reach them at 651-404-6407.
Monday through Friday:
St. Matthew's Catholic Church (510 Hall Ave) offers both dine-in and take-out meals from 5-6 p.m. Look for Door #5: it's accessible from the southeast parking lot, making it easy to find even if you're not familiar with the building.

Mobile Food Options and Family-Friendly Spots
Food Shelves and Grocery Assistance
Sometimes you need more than just prepared meals: you need groceries to cook at home. Several organizations are providing exactly that support:
Hallie Q. Brown Food Shelf in St. Paul provides assistance by appointment. Call 651-224-4601 to schedule your visit and learn about what's currently available.
Neighborhood House Food Market operates at both West Side and
Montreal Avenue locations, offering free produce and pantry staples during multiple weekday hours. These aren't just emergency rations: they're quality ingredients you can use to prepare meals at home.
Mill City Farmers Market in Minneapolis started something brilliant on November 1st: they're giving $10 in Farmers Market Bucks to any customer who presents an EBT card at their info booth. This means you can access fresh, local produce while supporting community vendors.
The
Twin Cities Mobile Market operates like a grocery store on wheels, bringing affordable food directly to St. Paul neighborhoods. Check their schedule to see when they'll be in your area.
East Side Market (962 Burr St., St. Paul) is providing free groceries from November 5-30 to customers with a SNAP EBT card who are in need. This is a significant resource that runs through the entire month

When you need help beyond what we've listed here,
Minnesota Hunger Solutions maintains a searchable database for local food banks. You can search online or call their helpline at 888-711-1151 to find resources specific to your neighborhood.
Loaves & Fishes MN offers a free meal search tool that's updated regularly with new opportunities. The
Sanneh Foundation also provides multiple community food distribution options throughout the metro area.
How Housing Hub Supports Our Community
At Housing Hub, we believe stable housing and food security go hand in hand. That's why we maintain comprehensive rental assistance resources to help our tenants navigate challenging times. We know that when basic needs like food are met, families can focus on maintaining their homes and building toward their future.
Moving Forward Together
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This November has presented challenges, but it's also revealed the incredible strength of our Twin Cities community. From restaurant owners who decided to feed kids for free to food trucks that operate on a pay-what-you-can model, our neighbors are looking out for each other.
Remember, using these resources isn't just okay: it's exactly what they're designed for. These organizations and businesses want to help, and accepting that help allows you to maintain your housing stability and focus on your long-term goals.

The SNAP suspension is temporary, but the community connections you make and the resources you discover can provide lasting support. Take advantage of what's available, and remember; we're all in this together.
