Federal Workers Get Free Vegan Meals During Trump Shutdown

Vegan eatery Sage Plant Based Bistro is offering federal workers a free meal during the government shutdown at all three of its locations in Southern California. The Trump administration announced the shutdown on December 22 as a maneuver to raise more than $5 billion to fund a border wall between the United States and Mexico—a move that has forced more than 800,000 federal employees to become furloughed or work without a salary, leaving many unable to pay for food and housing. Sage is offering an appetizer or entrée priced at $16 or less for free to guests that can show a government employee identification card. Vegetarian eatery Amy’s Drive Thru launched a similar initiative and offers free burgers (vegan options available) and 50-percent off meals to families affected by what is now the longest government shutdown in US history.