Meating Them Where They Are

In response to the government shutdown and loss of snap benefits, David Bungarz decided he could help with his restaurant, Embers BBQ. In a social media post on Nov. 3, he wrote that Embers would give out a meal per person each week, no questions asked. “It’s definitely become bigger than I expected,” says David. He expected to be handing out around 10 meals a day, but he is now easily giving out about 50. 

“The first few days were a struggle because I just didn’t have enough product,” he says. Right now, he plans to continue the effort through the end of the year. “I’m gonna keep this going until the money runs out or we stop getting hungry people.” He says he wouldn’t be able to do the volume he’s doing without donations from the community. 

“It’s been extraordinarily busy,” he says, both in terms of regular customers and handing out food. “I’m just doing my part.”

• Want to make a donation? Visit his online ordering page and select “community donation.”