Beginning this week, Louisiana Purchase - in partnership with the Harvey Family Foundation and Black San Diego - will provide free hot meals every Wednesday at 3pm throughout November. Those impacted by the shutdown, including unpaid federal workers and residents missing their CalFresh (SNAP) reloads, can receive a meal by showing a valid ID or EBT card. Meals are available while supplies last at the restaurant’s location at 2305 University Avenue in North Park.
“We’re feeding the fam, together,” the restaurant wrote in its announcement, encouraging the community to pull up and spread the word. The group is also seeking volunteers each week to help distribute meals, emphasizing their call to “pour back into the city that pours into us.”
Louisiana Purchase is also launching a "pay it foward" option to their online ordering and in-house dining for those looking for other ways to help support the program in providing more meals to those in need. Patrons can donate in $5 increments which helps cover the cost of food for up to two meals.
The move comes as nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents face disruptions in food assistance due to the budget impasse in Washington, which has frozen CalFresh payments and delayed wages for federal workers. Local officials, including County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, have warned of a deepening hunger crisis if the shutdown drags on through November.
Adding to the community response, Big Jim’s Roast Beef in Pacific Beach also took to Instagram this week to announce it would be giving away free hot meals to anyone experiencing food difficulties, posting, “If you are in need of a free hot meal, we got you.”
Louisiana Purchase first opened in 2019 under the Grind & Prosper Hospitality group, led by culinary director Chef Quinnton “Q” Austin, who relocated from Louisiana to bring authentic Southern flavor to San Diego. The restaurant’s hearty Creole dishes - from gumbo and jambalaya to barbecue shrimp and beignets - have made it a neighborhood favorite. Now, it’s channeling that same spirit into giving back.
San Diegans wishing to volunteer can arrive at 2:45 pm on Wednesdays to help package and serve meals.
For more information or to get involved, follow @louisianapurchasesd on Instagram.
The move comes as nearly 400,000 San Diego County residents face disruptions in food assistance due to the budget impasse in Washington, which has frozen CalFresh payments and delayed wages for federal workers. Local officials, including County Supervisor Terra Lawson-Remer, have warned of a deepening hunger crisis if the shutdown drags on through November.
Louisiana Purchase joins a growing number of local businesses working to fill the gap. As previously reported by SanDiegoVille, restaurants and nonprofits across the county have rallied to provide meals and resources during the shutdown - including Feeding San Diego, Jewish Family Service, and community spots like Burger Kook in Bonita, 3N1 Sports Bar in Chula Vista, and Coastal Roots Farm in Encinitas.
Adding to the community response, Big Jim’s Roast Beef in Pacific Beach also took to Instagram this week to announce it would be giving away free hot meals to anyone experiencing food difficulties, posting, “If you are in need of a free hot meal, we got you.”
Louisiana Purchase first opened in 2019 under the Grind & Prosper Hospitality group, led by culinary director Chef Quinnton “Q” Austin, who relocated from Louisiana to bring authentic Southern flavor to San Diego. The restaurant’s hearty Creole dishes - from gumbo and jambalaya to barbecue shrimp and beignets - have made it a neighborhood favorite. Now, it’s channeling that same spirit into giving back.
San Diegans wishing to volunteer can arrive at 2:45 pm on Wednesdays to help package and serve meals.
For more information or to get involved, follow @louisianapurchasesd on Instagram.
Originally published on November 5, 2025.
