Coffee shop started to feed SNAP recipients because 'a child was hungry,' owner says

Key Concepts

• SNAP Benefits: Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, a U.S. federal program that provides food-purchasing assistance for low- and no-income levels.
• Mutual Aid: A voluntary reciprocal exchange of resources and services for mutual benefit.
• Snap Break: A program initiated by Heretic Coffee offering free breakfast burritos and coffee to individuals who have lost SNAP benefits.
• "Keep Portland Fed": The initiative by Heretic Coffee to provide meals to those in need.

Heretic Coffee's "Snap Break" Initiative

Heretic Coffee, a coffee shop in Portland, Oregon, has launched an initiative called "Snap Break" to support individuals who have lost their SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. This program offers a free breakfast burrito and coffee to customers who request it, with no questions asked or proof required.

Genesis of the Initiative

The inspiration for "Snap Break" stemmed from a deeply affecting interaction with an 11-year-old boy who visited the cafe alone, asking for breakfast a couple of days before his family's SNAP benefits were set to expire. This encounter, coupled with a prior Instagram post announcing their intention to feed those losing benefits, ignited a strong desire in owner Josh White to extend help beyond just that one child. He stated, "So we just tweeted out um it's open now. If you're hungry, do not go to bed hungry tonight."

Fundraising Success

Initially, Heretic Coffee did not have a donation page. The idea for fundraising emerged from a customer comment on social media that received significant engagement. This led to the creation of a donation page, which has since raised over $300,000, and is nearing $350,000, to fund the "Keep Portland Fed" initiative. Josh White expressed surprise at the level of support, noting, "You know, at the very beginning, we didn't even have a donation page. The idea of getting donations wasn't even in my mind."

Impact and Customer Reactions

The initiative has significantly increased the cafe's daily customer volume. Heretic Coffee, which typically serves 40 to 50 customers a day, has seen an increase to 60 to 80 sales, and on one day, served over 500 people in their 450-square-foot space.

• For recipients: Customers receiving the "Snap Break" express gratitude, feeling "seen" and acknowledged. The absence of a requirement for proof or questions fosters a sense of dignity.
• For paying customers: The transcript does not detail specific reactions from paying customers, but the overall increase in traffic suggests a supportive environment.

A crucial observation is that a significant portion of those benefiting are children. Josh White emphasized, "The other major part is half of our customers are children. And I think the world needs to know that that these are not just adults. These are children who are also looking for food."

Future Plans for Unused Funds

Heretic Coffee is actively planning how to utilize any remaining funds if SNAP benefits are reinstated before the donated money is depleted. While acknowledging they are a coffee shop and not a formal mutual aid organization, they are researching and developing strategies for fund distribution.

• Collaboration with Mutual Aid Groups: They are currently working with underprivileged and underresourced mutual aid groups that serve marginalized communities in Portland.
• Distribution Strategy: The plan is to distribute a substantial portion of the donations to individuals and communities often overlooked by national media attention. Josh White stated, "we're putting together a game plan to be able to distribute a good chunk of that money donated to people who are not typically seen by the national news or media."

Conclusion

Heretic Coffee's "Snap Break" initiative exemplifies a powerful community response to a critical need. Driven by empathy and a desire to ensure no one goes hungry, the coffee shop has mobilized significant resources and support, demonstrating the impact of local action and the generosity of the public. The program not only provides immediate food assistance but also aims to extend its reach through strategic partnerships with existing mutual aid networks, ensuring that the donated funds have a lasting positive impact on vulnerable populations in Portland.