Summary
Social media claims that some restaurant chains, like Olive Garden and Red Lobster, are offering free meals to SNAP recipients during the government shutdown are false. These restaurants have confirmed that they are not providing such offers, and there is no evidence to suggest the claims are real.
Key Facts
- SNAP provides food assistance to about 42 million Americans with low or no income.
- During the government shutdown, SNAP payments have been halted because funds have run out.
- Social media posts claimed that Olive Garden, Red Lobster, Popeyes, and McDonald's were offering free meals to SNAP recipients.
- Red Lobster and Olive Garden stated that these claims are false and not part of any official program.
- Popeyes and McDonald's have not officially commented, but no evidence shows their involvement in offering free meals.
- SNAP benefits are usually for buying groceries, not restaurant meals, with few exceptions under the Restaurant Meals Program.
- Olive Garden and Red Lobster do not participate in the Restaurant Meals Program, and the claims are considered false.
