The Literary's SNAP Initiative FAQ
What is this SNAP Initiative?
We don't need to tell you that things are tough right now for all of us, and they're about to get even tougher if SNAP benefits aren't funded.
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The Literary is helping in our own little way by providing free meals for SNAP recipients starting on Tuesday, 11/4
How does it work?
Show your SNAP card to your barista and enjoy a free meal off of our Oh SNAP! menu once each day on weekdays between 9am-3pm.
Who is eligible?
Any SNAP recipient! If your SNAP card benefits several members of your household, we will provide free meals for two adults and the kids.
When can I use my SNAP card at The Literary?
Once per day Tuesday-Friday between 9am and 3pm.
What is the Oh SNAP! Menu?
The Oh SNAP! Menu is specifically for this initiative and includes the following (GF, vegan, and vegetarian options available):
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Kids: Grilled Cheese, Breakfast Plate, French Toast, RB & J
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Grown Ups: Pumpkin Pancakes, B.L.A.T, Tofu Scramble, Tomato Bisque, Regular Breakfast, Cranberry Jane Sandwich
Is there a limit to how many people The Literary will feed each day?
No! As long as there's a need, we're going to do everything in our power to meet it.
How long will this initiative run?
We're going to keep this going until SNAP is funded again!
I want to help! Can I donate to this cause?
Yes! The Literary is going to give everything we can to this initiative and if you want to be part of it, we'll have a "Community Gift Card" that anyone can contribute to - no amount is too small! We'll use the donated dollars to buy meals for SNAP recipients so that we can do even more for our community together than The Literary can do alone. NOTE: The Literary is not a 501c3 so your donations are not tax deductible.
What if there's money still on the Community Card when SNAP is funded again?
If there's still money on the card when SNAP is (hopefully) funded again, we'll donate it to the Eastern Illinois Food Bank.
I can't make a financial contribution right now. Can I help some other way?
Another way you can help is by spreading the word so that people know where to go for support!
Free Meal Kit FAQ
Who can have a free meal kit?
These meal kits are not just for SNAP recipients- anyone can have a free meal kit, no questions asked.
How do I get one?
Just ask a bookseller or a barista for a meal kit, that's it!
How many people does a meal kit feed?
Every meal kit is designed to feed 4-6 people
What's in a meal kit?
What's in a meal kit will change every week, but each kit will have all the ingredients you need and a recipe so you can make a complete meal at home.
Are meals gluten-free, vegan, allergen-free, etc?
At this time (and since we're totally new to the meal-kit scene) we don't have ingredients to accommodate special diets. However, if you let us know you're coming, we'll do our best to see if we can throw something together!
Do I need any special kitchen equipment to make these meals?
Nope! All you need is a stove, a pot, and water!