Post last updated to add a meal at 11:41 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 13:
Although full November SNAP benefits rolled out for Kansans last week, confusion and debate about the program persist at the federal level.
Groups throughout Lawrence are still offering free meals amid the uncertainty.
Kansas Gov. Laura Kelly had joined a lawsuit in late October against the USDA for illegally withholding Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) funding. A judge ruled Thursday that the federal government must supply full November assistance, and Kelly announced that full November SNAP benefits would be loaded onto state residents’ cards by the end of the day Friday.
But the Trump administration is pushing for the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn the decision through an appeal. The ongoing government shutdown also puts the status of December SNAP benefits in limbo.
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Multiple Lawrence organizations recognize the precarity of the situation and continue to offer free food to community members who need it.
Here’s a quick guide to sourcing free meals in the city.
Free meal options for this week
• Sanctuary Alliance is partnering with Sunrise Project for a free community meal pickup event Saturday, Nov. 15.
Chicken and veggie burritos mexicanos will be available starting at 1 p.m. until they run out at Sunrise Project, 245 N. Fourth St. in North Lawrence.
“We are so relieved to hear that SNAP benefits are starting to go out to families,” Sanctuary Alliance wrote in their latest newsletter. “AND We know that the cost of feeding our community is sky high. While the administration continues to harm our immigrant neighbors, completing daily tasks like grocery shopping are becoming risks. So, the Sanctuary team would like to offer an afternoon/evening off from cooking to our community!”
Although burritos are free, donations will be accepted to benefit Just Food and Somos Lawrence.
• Hy-Vee announced Friday that all stores with hot food service will continue to offer free or reduced price meals through Friday, Nov. 14.
Meals cost $3 for families, and children ages 12 and under eat for free. See here for a full menu.
Lawrence’s Hy-Vee is at 3504 Clinton Parkway.
• Merchants Pub & Plate, 746 Massachusetts St., will serve a free community meal starting at 11 a.m. on Monday, Nov. 17. Service will run while supplies last. The menu includes pasta with garlic tomato sauce, chili, split pea soup, fresh bread and salad.
“Everyone is welcome — no questions asked,” according to a post on the restaurant’s Facebook page. “Take a warm meal for you or a loved one.”
See here for a menu detailing which options are gluten-free, dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan and more.
• Ladybird Diner has been offering free soup meals on Mondays, and will keep up with the program next week from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Nov. 17 at 721 Massachusetts St.
The upcoming menu hasn’t been finalized yet, but the restaurant said it aims to offer hearty and nutritious options.
Keep an eye on their Facebook page for additional information.
Free meals that are routinely available
Many of the free meal programs in Lawrence are community staples predating November’s SNAP funding complications.
The Lawrence Public Library maintains a log of sites regularly offering free meals.
Here is the latest list from the Community Resources desk, last updated on Sept. 23:
Daily-Free-Meals-Compiled-by-the-Lawrence-Public-Libary-Updated-9.23.25-compressedSee the full list of meals typed out and a map of meal sites at this link.
The library maintains an extensive community resource guide with contacts for food insecurity, health insurance, behavioral health care, housing, legal assistance, rent and utility assistance and more.
For more food security resources throughout Douglas County, see here.
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Wulfe Wulfemeyer (they/them), reporter and news editor, has worked with The Lawrence Times since May 2025. They can be reached at wulfe@lawrencekstimes.com.
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