Freebies and Discounts for Federal Employees in Minnesota During Government Shutdowns

Government shutdowns create significant financial uncertainty for federal employees, particularly those in Minnesota who may face delayed paychecks and furloughs. During these periods, various businesses and organizations offer freebies, discounts, and support services to alleviate the burden on affected workers and their families. These offers range from complimentary admissions to cultural institutions and entertainment venues to reduced-price dining options and essential food assistance programs. Understanding the available resources and eligibility requirements is crucial for navigating the challenges of a shutdown.

This article outlines the specific freebies and deals available to federal employees in Minnesota, based on information from past shutdown periods, alongside critical updates regarding food assistance programs that may be impacted by ongoing federal funding lapses.

Entertainment and Cultural Attractions

Several Minnesota-based attractions have historically offered free admission to federal employees during government shutdowns to provide a respite for families.

Science Museum of Minnesota

The Science Museum of Minnesota has provided free combination exhibit gallery and Omnitheater admission to furloughed federal employees. This offer typically extends to the employee and up to three guests. To redeem, employees are required to present their federal badge at the box office. During specific periods, the museum has featured films such as "Journey to Space," "National Parks Adventure," "Ring of Fire," "The Greatest Places," and "Tornado Alley."

Minnesota Children’s Museum

Minnesota Children’s Museum has offered free admission to federal employees affected by a government shutdown. The offer generally applies to the employee and their family. Eligibility is verified by showing a government ID at the box office.

Alamo Drafthouse Cinema

Located in Woodbury, the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema has offered free movies to federal employees throughout specific months during a shutdown. The offer was valid on Mondays through Thursdays for one free ticket per day per employee with the presentation of a federal ID at the box office. The ticket was valid for any new or current release but excluded specialty programming such as Advance Screenings or Movie Parties. The offer was limited to the employee only, with no guests included.

Harlem Globetrotters

During the 2019 government shutdown, the Harlem Globetrotters announced they were offering complimentary game tickets to U.S. government employees on furlough as part of their Fan Powered North American tour. While specific shows were scheduled in Minnesota in March, tickets could be requested during the shutdown period.

Minnesota Orchestra

The Minnesota Orchestra extended an offer for two complimentary tickets to furloughed federal government employees for select concerts. The offer was valid for Classical, Symphony in 60, and Inside the Classics concerts through June 2019, subject to availability. To obtain tickets, employees were required to reserve them by February 28, 2019, online or by phone using the promo code FEDERAL. A government-issued ID was required for ticket pickup at the Box Office. A location in Rochester, Minnesota, was also noted for ticket redemption.

Dining and Restaurant Discounts

Restaurants across Minnesota and the nation have provided discounts and free meals to federal workers during shutdowns to support them while they are without pay.

TGI Fridays

During a shutdown in October, TGI Fridays provided a free meal daily to Transportation Security Administration (TSA) and air traffic control workers through October 23. The offer was valid at more than 80 U.S. locations, including airports, with the exception of Atlanta airport locations. Eligible workers were required to present a valid employee ID to receive the deal.

Romano’s Macaroni Grill

Romano’s Macaroni Grill offered a free Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti to all furloughed federal government employees for every day the government shutdown was in effect.

Punch Bowl Social Minneapolis

Punch Bowl Social Minneapolis offered a 25% discount on all food, beverages, and games to any federal government employee until the shutdown ended.

Potbelly Sandwich Shop

Potbelly Sandwich Shop offered Buy One Get One (BOGO) entrees to federal government employees for a specific period in January. Employees were required to show their ID to redeem the offer.

Funky Grits

Funky Grits, located at 805 East 38th Street in Minneapolis, offered a 50% discount on the entire order to all federal government employees working in the Twin Cities area who were affected by the shutdown. Staff required reasonable credentials, such as a badge or card.

Great Harvest Bread Company

Great Harvest Bread Company offered free bread to federal employees impacted by the partial government shutdown. One participating location was noted in Rochester, Minnesota.

The Herbivorous Butcher

The Herbivorous Butcher offered a 20% discount on vegan meats and cheeses to government employees who showed their ID during the shutdown.

&pizza (National)

&pizza, a Washington, D.C.-based chain, offered federal workers 30% off their orders through October 12 during a shutdown. The deal required showing a federal or military ID in stores.

Compass Coffee (National)

Compass Coffee offered federal workers a free pastry with the purchase of any drink during a shutdown. The offer required showing an ID when ordering.

Hard Rock Cafe (Washington D.C.)

The Hard Rock Cafe in Washington D.C. offered specials including all-day Happy Hour pricing and entrée deals to government workers who presented a government ID. The offer was available in the bar and lounge only.

Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine (National)

The Ruby Slipper Ruby Sunshine chain offered a free entrée (valued up to $20) to furloughed government employees at 26 locations across the southern U.S. A valid government ID was required to get the deal.

Thompson Restaurants (National)

Thompson Restaurants offered a 20% discount to all government employees dining at participating locations including Matchbox, Milk & Honey, Makers Union, and Hen Quarter in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Food Assistance and SNAP Benefits

During extended government shutdowns, federal programs such as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) face significant risks regarding funding for benefit issuance.

Impact on SNAP Benefits

In Minnesota, a shutdown that began on October 1 posed a threat to November SNAP benefits. The Department of Children, Youth, and Families (DCYF) received notice from the USDA Food and Nutrition Services that if the shutdown continued into November, there would not be enough funds to pay benefits. Over 60,000 Minneapolis community members (14% of the city's residents) were at risk of being affected. In response to the potential lapse, Governor Tim Walz announced the State of Minnesota would provide $4 million in emergency funds to support food shelves. Additionally, Attorney General Keith Ellison co-led a coalition filing suit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Secretary of Agriculture regarding the unlawful suspension of SNAP benefits.

County-Level Support and Application Processing

Otter Tail County continued to accept and process SNAP applications during the shutdown, queuing them for approval once funding was restored. Residents were encouraged to utilize local food shelves, United Way, and Ruby’s Pantry for immediate assistance. Congressional contact information was provided for residents wishing to reach out to representatives, including Senators Amy Klobuchar and Tina Smith, and Representative Michelle Fischbach.

Conclusion

During government shutdowns, a variety of businesses and government entities in Minnesota step up to support federal employees through free admissions, meal discounts, and essential food assistance. While cultural institutions and restaurants offer temporary relief through free tickets and discounted meals, the potential suspension of SNAP benefits highlights the broader economic impact of funding lapses. Federal employees are advised to monitor official announcements regarding the status of benefits and to utilize available local resources, including food shelves and emergency funds, to manage financial uncertainty.