A locally owned restaurant in San Jose is stepping in to help kids whose families rely on federal food assistance that may soon be halted due to the ongoing government shutdown.

Roughly 5.5 million Californians depend on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), including many households in the Bay Area. With federal funds potentially running out by Nov. 1, more families could struggle to afford groceries.

At Tony & Alba’s Pizza & Pasta, co-owners Albert and Diana Vallorz have decided they won’t sit by and watch children go hungry. After discussing the potential impact for weeks, they recently announced on social media that kids from families using SNAP can receive free children’s meals at their restaurant. Adults who accompany them will also get discounted options.

“Without SNAP, a lot of kids will be forced to go without essentials,” Diana said. “We want to make sure that doesn’t happen.”

The shutdown has placed increasing pressure on food security across the United States. SNAP currently provides monthly benefits to nearly 42 million people nationwide, but federal agriculture officials have warned that funding could fall short if a budget agreement isn’t reached soon.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta, along with several other attorneys general, has demanded clarity from federal leaders, stressing in a statement that ensuring access to food must be a top priority.

Food banks across California are also bracing for a surge in demand. Governor Gavin Newsom has activated the California National Guard to help with operations, as seen at a Los Angeles food bank this week. However, organizations like Second Harvest of Silicon Valley say they are most in need of food donations and worry that the presence of uniformed personnel might unintentionally create anxiety among families receiving help.

With the shutdown dragging on and the holiday season approaching, uncertainty continues to deepen for vulnerable communities.

For Albert and Diana, their commitment is simple.

“We’re a family-run restaurant, and our community has always supported us,” Albert said. “This is our chance to give back when people need it most.”