This content was originally published by the Longmont Observer and is licensed under a Creative Commons license.
The second shutdown of the United States government began on Saturday, December 22nd, 2018. As of today, that makes a total of 30 days that federal workers have been temporarily laid off. Since many government employees typically get paid every two weeks, on the first and the 15th of any given month, this means that many workers have not received a paycheck since December 15, 2018. Factoring this in, the total number of days a federal employee has gone unpaid comes to 38 days.
In response to this, a national trend has begun where many restaurants are offering free meals to federal employees hit hard by this extended period of uncertainty.
Longmont restaurants are stepping up as well. A recent survey of local eateries show some establishments are eady to support those affected by the shutdown. Here is a partial list of restaurants in Longmont who have stated that they will offer a meal to any federal employee who provides ID:
Lucille's Creole Cafe will offer their famous buttermilk biscuits and red beans with meat, according to Rachel, manager for Lucille's.
Dickens Opera House will provide a free meal to any federal worker providing identification, according to Lynn, manager of the Dickens.
Mike O'Shays owner, Rueben Verplank stated via email, "We are offering a free lunch to furloughed employees (with ID or paystub). It runs to the end of the furlough."
The Roost and Jefe's Tacos and Tequila will both offer a free lunch to federal employees, according to the owner, Rebecca Gafner.
Smokin' Dave's BBQ is offering a free pulled pork sandwich with french fries or coleslaw with ID at their Longmont location.
Aunt Alice's Kitchen is offering meals to federal workers in this situation.
Georgia Boys is taking over the lunchroom at the FAA campus on Wednesday to provide a free lunch to all employees who come in. (This is a closed campus -FAA employees only.)
