Give Me The Mike’s Serve Our Society series shines the spotlight on amazing Minnesota-based nonprofits.
If you would like to nominate an organization to be featured, please contact mike@givemethemike.com.
Updated 9/26/20
COVID-19 is making an extreme impact on society. Basic necessities, including food, can be difficult to come by for too many families.
Fortunately, Minnesota restaurants and organizations are swiftly adapting to the situation, offering free meals to those who need them. A list of resources are below. If you know of others not listed, please email me.
It is strongly advised that you contact the restaurants below before visiting to make sure they are still operational and their deals are valid.
This guide is continually updated. I decided to leave restaurants who have ended their free meal distribution on here to showcase their generosity. Please support them when you’re able.
School districts, including Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) and Saint Paul Public Schools, provide food service to students. Make sure to check with your child’s school so you do not miss out on free meals for your children.
Also on Give Me The Mike…
Where Minnesotans can donate clothing and household goods
Saint Paul
Hope Breakfast Bar (verified 9/5/20)
Hope Breakfast Bar in Saint Paul is preparing takeout bags for families. To request food, fill out this online form. Those looking to donate to support the cause are able to do so online. They are also looking for volunteers.
El Burrito Mercado (verified 9/5/20)
Students 12 and younger who are accompanied by an adult receive a free lunch to go daily from El Burrito Mercado in Saint Paul. The offer goes from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
Falcon Heights
Eggroll Queen (verified 9/13/20)
Children will receive a free egg roll, fruit and fried rice at the Eggroll Queen in Falcon Heights. You can call in your order in advance and it will be packaged to pick up. Staff tell me this offer is not publicized frequently, but is ongoing.
Minneapolis
MAYA Cuisine (verified 9/13/20)
The location on Central Avenue in Northeast Minneapolis will provide free cheese quesadillas, rice and beans.
Provision Community Restaurant (verified 9/15/20)
The South Minneapolis restaurant is serving free, single-served, packaged meals Mondays through Fridays from 12:00 to 1:00 pm. Those attending are asked to bring their own bag.
Richfield
El Tejaban Mexican Grill (verified 9/5/20)
Children under 15 can enjoy a kids meal for free from 11:00 am – 5:00 pm. Food is available for take out.
Farmington
Bourbon Butcher (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Starting Tuesday, March 17, the Farmington restaurant will offer free boxed lunches which will include a sandwich, fruit cup, chips, cookie and milk. They are also collecting canned food for the Farmington Food Shelf.
Rosemount
Suzie’s Kitchen (verified 9/22/20)
If you’re in the Rosemount area, connect with Suzie’s Kitchen for meal options. You should call ahead to order meals: (651) 322-8393.
Lino Lakes
Trappers Bar and Grill (verified 9/13/20)
The Lino Lakes restaurant will serve turkey and ham sandwiches, chips and applesauce to students. Please call 651-784-7474 in advance and let staff know how many meals are needed.
Cambridge
Chapala Mexican Restaurant (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
The Cambridge restaurant offers a free lunch to children 12 and under.
Saint Michael
Dunn Brothers Coffee, Saint Michael (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
They have teamed up with Westbridge Community Church to offer free lunches REGARDLESS OF AGE Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 1:00 pm. You are able to pick those up in the Westbridge Community Church parking lot (11600 Frankfort Parkway NE, Saint Michael).
Annandale
Billy D’s Crooked Tavern (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Starting Monday, March 16, students can receive a turkey sandwich, potato chips and yogurt free of charge at the Annandale restaurant.
Buffalo
Thirsty Buffalo Saloon (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Anytime the kitchen is open (11:00 am – 10:00 pm Monday – Saturday, 11:00 am – 9:00 pm Sunday), Thirsty Buffalo Saloon in Buffalo will offered bagged lunches to families in need.
Waconia
Bakery on Main (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Connect with the Waconia bakery if you are need of breakfast for your student.
Saint Cloud/Sartell
House of Pizza (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
From 11:00 am – 2:00 pm Monday through Friday, kids 12 and under can get a free pizza or pasta at House of Pizza locations in Saint Cloud or Sartell. Dine in or take out only. Note: owners are evaluating this on a weekly basis. It currently is valid thru March 20th.
Pacific Wok (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Kids 12 and under eat free Monday through Friday from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at Pacific Wok in Sartell. This is available via their drive thru. You are encouraged to call ahead. Note: owners are evaluating this on a weekly basis. It currently is valid thru March 20th.
Granite City (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
The Saint Cloud location will provide free turkey sandwich lunches to children. No purchase necessary.
Brainerd/Nisswa
Ernie’s on Gull and Main Street Ale House (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
Stop by Ernie’s on Gull or Main Street Ale House in Nisswa to receive free kids meals starting Monday, March 16. Please call ahead — (218) 961-6724.
Le Center
Gracie’s With a Cup of Joe (CALL FIRST TO VERIFY)
The Le Center diner will deliver meals to kids in Le Center and rural areas, including Cleveland. Call (507) 357-4816 or (952) 564-4055.
Rochester
Victoria’s Ristorante and Wine Bar (verified 9/6/20)
No purchase is necessary for a pasta meal with fresh bread for kids at Victoria’s in Rochester.
Additional resources for families
- The Sheridan Story
- Second Harvest Heartland
- Open Arms of Minnesota — free meals for individuals with life-threatening illnesses
- Meals on Wheels — free meals for those recovering from illness or surgery
- Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota
Expired deals
Please patronize these businesses and thank them for their generosity
{PROGRAM ENDED} Coconut Whisk Baking Co.
Send them a private message on Facebook and they will provide you a week’s worth of vegan and gluten-free pancake/waffle mix for your family.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Billy’s on Grand
Kids 14 and under can have a free meal the week of March 15th at the restaurant on Grand Avenue in Saint Paul.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Day by Day Cafe
The Saint Paul restaurant will serve hot dogs and chips to kids at no charge starting Monday, March 16.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Station 280
Starting Monday, March 16, kids can receive a free bag lunch including a turkey sandwich, fruit snacks, apple, orange juice and milk at their restaurant/bar in Saint Paul.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Rascal’s Bar and Grill
Free bag lunches will be available to anyone in need from 11:00 am – 1:30 pm Monday thru Friday and Saturday from 12:30 – 1:30 pm at Rascal’s in Apple Valley.
{PROGRAM ENDED} VIVO Kitchen
The Apple Valley restaurant partnered with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville to provide meals to isolated senior citizens starting Tuesday, March 17.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Granite City
The Eagan, Maple Grove, Roseville and Saint Cloud locations will provide free turkey sandwich lunches to children. No purchase necessary.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Que Viet
The Minneapolis location will offer free fried rice to students starting Wednesday, March 18. The student must be present in order to receive the meal.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Bacon Social House
Through April 6, kids eat free from the Downtown Minneapolis restaurant with the purchase of an adult entree. The service is available by pickup and they are working on delivery options.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Lucky Cricket
Kids under 12 eat free at the Saint Louis Park restaurant.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Cafe Cravings
Between 10:00 am – 2:00 pm, children under 13 in need of a meal will be provided a cold sandwich of their choice and potato chips at no charge from the White Bear Lake restaurant.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Ha Long Bay
For students who receive free or reduced lunch, stop by Ha Long Bay in White Bear Lake to receive a free dine-in or take-out lunch between Monday, March 16 and Friday, March 27, weekdays from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm. No proof necessary.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Whiskey Inferno Meat House and Craft Bar
The Savage restaurant will supply free boxed lunches during regular business hours. It will include a sandwich, fruit cup, chips, cookie and milk.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Riversbend Bar and Grill
Riversbend Bar and Grill in Ramsey will provide bag lunches with sandwiches, chips, fruit and a cookie. Pick up from 11:00 am – 2:00 pm.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Piada Italian Street Food
Through May 31, all K-12 students can receive a free kids pasta with sauce, cheese and a fountain drink. In the Twin Cities, Piada has locations in Woodbury, Eagan and Mall of America.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Manea’s Meats
The Sauk Rapids market will make bag lunches, which will be delivered by members of the Sauk Rapids Police Department. You must live within Sauk Rapids city limits. Orders must be placed online by 9:00 pm the night before delivery.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Toppers Pizza
Stop by the Blaine location during lunch hours until March 27 to receive a small pizza at no charge.
{PROGRAM ENDED} UMI Sushi and Hibachi
Any school aged child can receive a free chicken lo mein and fountain drink at UMI Sushi and Hibachi in Blaine. No purchase necessary — just ask for a manager.
{NO LONGER ALLOWING IN STORE PICKUP} Great Harvest Maple Grove
The bakery will offer free breads and goodies to families. They are also donating twice a week to CROSS Food Shelf in Rogers and are delivering to seniors. As of May 3, this one location has provided food to over 1,600 households.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Olde Brick House
Kids under 12 can eat free from 11:00 am until 3:00 pm at the Saint Cloud restaurant March 16-20.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Kay’s Kitchen
The Saint Joseph restaurant is offering $2.00 kids meals starting Wednesday, March 18.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Manger Restaurant and Wine Bar
A cooler outside the Bayport restaurant is filled with lunches and dinners. It will be restocked as needed.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Cornerstone Buffet and Restaurant
The Melrose location is offering a rotating kids menu each weekday for $2.00.
{PROGRAM ENDED} Lock and Dam Eatery
Call the Hastings restaurant during lunch hours and a bag lunch will be available for pick up.
Read more stories in Give Me The Mike’s Serve Our Society series
- Don’t cut your hair during quarantine. Let it grow…and donate it
- Where Minnesotans can donate clothing and household goods
- 20 Minnesota nonprofits providing a platform for the Black community
- Minnesota nonprofits where kids can volunteer
- Minneapolis volleyball league gives community chance to connect
- When adversity hits: how a family copes with a child’s health concerns
- Saint Paul nonprofit ensures mental health is discussed
- The Minneapolis nonprofit distributing nearly 150,000 pounds of food to those with HIV/AIDS
- The ‘gateway to adoption and foster care in Minnesota’ celebrates 40 years
- Cannon Falls nonprofit repairing cars of veterans
- The Upper Midwest’s largest collection of LGBTQ material is in Minneapolis
- The country’s first LGBTQIA-specific program for addiction is in Minnesota
- The Minneapolis nonprofit giving away $250,000 in grants to LGBT individuals
- How the Minnesota Boychoir helps young men discover their identity
- Driving 8 hours to rehearsal: the power of One Voice Mixed Chorus
- The Minneapolis nonprofit delivering 600,000 free meals every year to those with life-threatening illnesses
- Organizations providing food to Minneapolis and Saint Paul residents, plus ways you can help
- A list of programs and restaurants offering food to families in Minnesota
- Minnesota camp dedicated to youth living with or affected by HIV/AIDS
New to Give Me The Mike?
Read how I adapted after losing both parents before I was 25 and being diagnosed with epilepsy.
You can learn about other amazing nonprofits! Receive new posts from Give Me The Mike in your inbox.
Pingback: Organizations providing food to Minneapolis and Saint Paul residents, plus ways you can help » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Minneapolis volleyball league gives community chance to connect » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: The country’s first LGBTQIA-specific program for addiction is in Minnesota » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Saint Paul nonprofit ensures mental health is talked about » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Don't cut your hair in quarantine. Let it grow...and donate it » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Minnesota nonprofits and businesses that deliver food » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Become a Contributor on Give Me The Mike » Give Me The Mike
Pingback: COVID-19 Resources - CAPI
Pingback: Supporting Minnesota nonprofits damaged after protests – Give Me The Mike
Pingback: A list of drive-in theaters open around Minnesota, and how they’re adapting to COVID guidelines – Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Where Minnesotans can donate clothing and household goods during COVID-19 – Give Me The Mike
Pingback: Support Local Baltimore Restaurants: 50+ Options & Why It Is Safe
Pingback: Free educational resources for parents in this new normal – Give Me The Mike
Pingback: COVID-19 Resources « CAPI
Pingback: Minnesota non-profits and businesses delivering meals to those unable to leave their homes – Give Me The Mike
Avocadish (https://www.avocadish.com/10kmeals) is delivering free meals to families in need, especially families who relied on tipped position income.
Pingback: What Services Are JFCS, JFS & Others Offering? | TC Jewfolk
Mizumi Sushi & Asian Bistro in Lakeville
“During the school closure, we would like to contribute to our communites as much as possible. Come in for some Grab-N-Go lunch selection on us. Monday – Friday from 11am – 2pm. We want you to stay healthy and safe.”
Dehmer’s Meats in St. Michael shared this info on their Facebook page yesterday:
Monday – Friday this week we will be offering a free bag lunch for children who are in need of one. Please call by 10 am and place your order, we will have it ready for pick up between 11-2. If you know someone who is in need, please pass this information along.
Address: 401 Central Ave E, St Michael, MN 55376
Phone: (763) 497-2455
What a blessing you are to so many in need!! This is the time to raise our communities up! Nice job restaurant people!! 👏❤
BLESS YOU ALL
Duluth has burrito union and the brew house offering meals to kids m-f 11am-1p
Thanks for the heads up. Once they post it on their Facebook pages, I’ll add it to the listing.
Does anyone know if these apply to college students also? I know a lot of people at school who can’t get home that have similar needs to school aged children also
If I see an age restriction, I will typically include it. Most seem to be for students 14 and younger. Keep checking back!
Cafe Cravings in White Bear Lake
Free cold sandwich for kids from 10-2
https://www.facebook.com/cafecravingswhitebear/photos/a.1494185477554695/2285206611785907/?type=3&theater
Added. Thank you!
Subway in Pierz will be giving kids free 4” ham or turkey sub, applesauce and juice or milk through March 11-2 Mon-Fri.
Whiskey Inferno in the Savage/Prior Lake area is offering lunch and/or dinner starting Tuesday per their FB page! Free boxed lunches available during normal business hours which includes choice of sandwich, fruit cup, chips, cookie, milk – just need to call them at (952) 855-4665. They are also taking excess canned food and other supplies for the food shelf over the next few weeks.
Thanks!
Dunn Brothers (St. Michael location)
Dear STMA Community,
We take great pride in providing a safe, clean and comfortable gathering place to everyone that walks through our doors and visits us in our drive-thru – this includes not only our guests, but team members as well. In response to the current COVID-19 situation and recent school closing announcement throughout Minnesota, we have decided to make the following temporary operating changes to our location beginning Monday, March 16th through Sunday, March 29th to help mitigate any unnecessary exposure:
• We will become a drive-thru only location. Our inside ordering, gathering and dining option will be closed, including use of our conference room
• We will suspend filling any reusable cups or travel mugs
Our operating hours will not be changing during this time period. We will continue to be open 6am – 8pm Monday through Friday and 7am – 3pm Saturday and Sunday.
We also realize that the value of a business is based upon its ability to serve the local community. We understand the nutritional impact school closings can have on our youth and as such, are partnering with Westbridge Community Church to offer free lunches for any child Monday through Friday between 11am and 1pm, no questions asked. These lunches will be available for pick-up in the Westbridge Community Church parking lot. This lunch includes:
• ½ sandwich: turkey or ham, and cheddar cheese
• One side: chips, fruit or string cheese
• Beverage: cup of milk or water
While we expect these temporary changes to strain our speed of service in the drive-thru, we ask that you please have patience during this extraordinary time. We will continue to work as hard as possible to ensure a positive experience and look forward to continuing to serve you!
Sincerely,
The Dunn Brothers Coffee St. Michael Team
Thank you!
UMI Sushi in Blaine –
Dear Neighbors,
*Please share to help spread the word*
Gov. Tim Walz announced today that he will close all K-12 public schools statewide, beginning Wednesday, in an attempt to control the spread of COVID 19. While we agree with this decision, we also understand that it may present challenges to families that we serve.
During the school shut down, any school age child in need can receive a free kids size chicken lo mein and a fountain drink. No other purchase is necessary. Just ask for a manager and we will take care of you.
⁃UMI Sushi & Hibachi Management
.
.
.
.
.
#umisushi #umisushianshibachi #umimn
Thank you!
VIVO Kitchen in apple valley
In our effort to find Possibility in these uncertain times, VIVO is launching “Feeding SOULS South of the River,” a collaborative effort between the faith community and local restaurants that will provide meals to isolated, at-risk seniors. We will begin Tuesday, delivering lunches 6 days a week, partnering with Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Burnsville. More restaurant/church partnerships to be joining the effort soon. For more information about this program, please contact us at community@vivomn.com.
Image may contain: 1 person, closeup and text
Thanks!