The provided source material offers a range of information regarding free and discounted resources available to California residents, with a specific focus on Veterans Day promotions, disaster relief efforts, senior discounts, and government assistance programs. The data highlights limited-time promotional offers from restaurants, transportation and housing aid for wildfire evacuees, and ongoing benefits related to food, healthcare, and recreation. While the sources detail specific deals available on specific dates and programs with defined eligibility requirements, they do not contain information regarding free samples, promotional offers, no-cost product trials, brand freebies, or mail-in sample programs across categories such as beauty, baby care, pet products, or household goods. Consequently, the following article summarizes the available data regarding free meals, discounts, and essential support services.
Veterans Day Promotions
On Veterans Day, specifically noted as Tuesday, Nov. 11, various restaurants in California offer complimentary meals and discounts to active-duty military personnel, veterans, reservists, and National Guard members. These promotions typically require proof of military service, such as a military ID, and are generally valid for dine-in service only.
- Applebee’s: Offers a free full-size entrée, including options like a bacon cheeseburger or three-cheese chicken penne.
- BJ’s Restaurants: Provides a free chocolate chunk pizookie to current and former military personnel.
- Chili’s: Offers a free meal, such as a burger or chicken tenders, at participating locations.
- Chipotle: Allows customers with a valid military ID to buy one entrée and get a second entrée for free. This promotion is valid between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m.
- Denny’s: Serves a free original Grand Slam to active and retired military personnel until noon.
Disaster Relief and Relocation Assistance
Following events such as the Eaton Fire, the City of Pasadena has compiled a list of resources for affected residents. These resources include transportation credits and housing options provided by private companies.
- Transportation:
- Uber: Offers a $40 credit for Los Angeles County residents ordered to vacate their homes. The credit is valid for trips to active shelters using the code WILDFIRE25.
- Lyft: Provides $25 vouchers (totaling $50) for two trips to 2,000 customers. The code CAFIRERELIEF25 is valid until midnight on Jan. 15.
- Housing:
- Airbnb: 211 LA partners with Airbnb to offer free temporary housing for those displaced by wildfires.
- Queen Mary: The hotel in Long Beach offers rooms at a rate of $189 for fire evacuees, which includes a breakfast buffet voucher for two and waives pet and Historical Preservation fees.
- Big Bear: Offers a retreat spot for evacuees.
Senior Discounts and Free Programs
California provides various discounts and free programs for senior citizens, particularly those meeting specific income thresholds or age requirements.
Parks and Recreation
The California State Parks system issues the Golden Bear pass, which allows car access to most of the state’s 280 parks. This pass is free for Californians over 62 who earn a monthly income below $1,677 (or $2,269 for a household). For seniors who do not meet the income requirement, a Limited Use Golden Bear pass is available for $20, valid only during the offseason (between Labor Day and the Friday before Memorial Day).
Entertainment and Culture
- Movie Theaters: Chains such as Cinemark offer "senior day" tickets for as low as $5 for individuals aged 62 and older.
- Museums: Many Los Angeles museums offer free admission to the general public, including the Getty Villa, the Getty Center, the Museum of Contemporary Art, the California Science Center’s permanent galleries, the Institute of Contemporary Art, Los Angeles, the Broad, and the Hammer Museum.
- Additional Perks: The Los Angeles County Museum of Art and the Natural History Museum offer free admission to L.A. County residents after 3 p.m. on weekdays. These institutions, along with the Norton Simon, the Academy Museum, the Huntington Library, Art Museum and Botanical Gardens, and Craft Contemporary, also offer discounts for adults 65 and older.
Fitness
SilverSneakers is a program offering workouts such as tai chi, Zumba, outdoor walking groups, and live online classes. It is free for older people on most health plans in California and for those on Medicare Advantage.
Transportation
The Los Angeles Metro system offers discounted fares for seniors. Additionally, the Restaurant Meals Program allows eligible older adults and adults with disabilities to use their EBT cards for prepared meals at participating restaurants.
Food and Nutrition Assistance
Several state and organizational programs provide free or discounted food to low-income residents, families, and those with specific health conditions.
State-Funded Programs
- CalFresh (Food Stamps): Provides monthly food benefits to people and families with low income.
- Women, Infants and Children (WIC): Offers nutrition education and healthcare services for families with infants.
- School Meals: Free or reduced-price school meals are available at public schools when in session.
- Summer Lunch Programs: Lists locations where children can get free, nutritious meals during school vacations.
- California Association of Food Banks: Provides a list of local food banks.
Local San Francisco Programs
- San Francisco Diaper Bank: Distributes free diapers to CalFresh, Medi-Cal, and CalWORKs households with children under age two (up to two cases per child per month).
- Free Food Locations: Resources for finding free groceries and meals throughout the city.
- Market Match: Doubles CalFresh dollars (up to $10) for fresh produce at participating farmers' markets.
- National School Lunch and Breakfast Program: Free meals for students in CalFresh households and other public assistance programs.
- Rainbow Grocery: Offers a 10% discount on all food items for shoppers aged 60+ and EBT card holders.
Medically Tailored Meals
Mom's Meals provides free home-delivered meals to eligible individuals through the California Community Supports Program. Eligibility requires one or more nutrition-sensitive chronic health conditions, such as diabetes, heart disease, cancer, COPD, stroke, or mental health conditions. Enrollment is handled through the member's Medi-Cal health plan. For those who do not qualify, meals can be purchased directly for $9.49 or less per meal, with discounts available for autoship.
Healthcare and Financial Resources
Healthcare Coverage
- Covered California: A marketplace for obtaining health insurance regardless of income or health history.
- Covered California for Small Business: A health coverage marketplace for small businesses with up to 100 employees.
Financial and Legal Aid
- BenefitsCal: A resource for finding services in specific counties, including Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs.
- Court Fee Waiver: Available for filing papers, certifying copies, and other court-related expenses.
- Reduced-Fee Identification Card: Residents can complete Form DL937 (available at SFHSA Services Centers) and submit it to the DMV.
- Free Immigration Legal Help: Available for citizenship, green card, DACA renewal, and deportation counsel.