Freebies for Furloughed Federal Workers in KC

As the federal shutdown is entering its second month, Kansas City businesses and organizations are reaching out to support furloughed workers.

These are local deals for furloughed government employees. If you know of a deal to add to our list, please mention it in the comment section below. 

Transportation:

• RideKC is Offering Free Bus Rides to Furloughed Federal Employees During the Government Shutdown . Show their government employee ID to board any of the RideKC buses regionally. Fares on all RideKC bus routes serving Kansas City, Johnson County, Wyandotte County and Independence will be free for the government workers.

Food:

• Great Harvest Bread Company: Feeling emotional about the stories of federal employees on furlough or working without pay during the government shutdown, Sarah Burtch, a Great Harvest franchisee in Lawrence, Kan., decided to do something to give back to her community. She set up a "Shutdown Shelf" in her bakery, offering free bread to federal workers and contractors in need. Since then, Great Harvest Bread locations across the country have jumped in and set up Shutdown Shelves in their own bakeries. Now, more than 30 locations nationwide are offering free bread to federal employees impacted by the partial government shutdown.
• Harvester's The Community Food Network:  If you are out of work due to the Federal Government Shutdown or know someone who is, here is information on how you can access food assistance during this difficult time. Any of the mobile food distributions in Harvesters’ 26-county service area are available to you. In addition, many of the food kitchens and pantries in our network are expanding eligibility requirements to respond to this emergency food assistance need. Please contact these agencies for details. To find locations and dates near you, visit our food locator at www.harvesters.org/get-help. To donate food to help meet the extra demand, drop off nonperishable donations at Harvesters or in our barrels at any Price Chopper grocery store.
• St. Paul's Food Pantry (1300 N 18th St., KC, KS): Call (913) 321-8674 for information.

Restaurants:

• Bay Boy Specialty Sandwiches (4706 Holly St, KC,MO): Any furloughed federal employees affected by the shutdown can come in and get a FREE SANDWICH with your government I.D., walk ins and pickups only. 
• Bella Napoli (6229 Brookside Blvd., KC, MO):  Beginning Monday, January 21 we invite families on furlough or working without pay to come in for a special meal —all pizzas and sandwiches are $5 each; four of our very favorite pasta dishes are available for $10 each; and kids 12-and-under EAT FREE from our Kids Menu.
• Boulevard Brewing Company (2501 Southwest Blvd, KC, MO): One free beer and 50% off tab with federal employee ID.
• Fazoli's (all locations):  We are pleased to extend the offer of a free Pizza Baked Spaghetti and endless Bread Sticks with a drink purchase to all Government employees until the Government reopens. Present ID to redeem.
• Grinders Stonewall (10240 Pflumm Rd., Lenexa, KS): Buy a slice of pizza get one free with government ID. 
• Jax Fish House: If you are one of the over 800,000 workers not getting paid, join us for a weekday lunch on us. Starting Monday, January 14th, and lasting until it's over. Valid for government workers who are furloughed, with ID badge or another proof of employment. Monday - Friday, dine-in only. Good for The Furlough Lunch only, no substitutions. Does not include tax + tip.
• JJ's Restaurant (900 W 48th Pl, KC, MO): To help support the 800,000 government workers currently without pay, we will be offering a complimentary tenderloin burger with fries to all furloughed government employees (must have valid ID). This offer is only available at lunch, Monday through Friday, for the remainder of the shutdown. Gratuity not included.
• Potbelly Sandwich Shop (All Locations): Next week Wed-Sun (1/23-27) federal employees get BOGO entrees nationwide with ID.
• Sinclair's (1402 NW State Route 7, Blue Springs, MO):  We invite you into our restaurant from 11:30am-4:00pm Monday through Friday to enjoy our daily lunch special. Simply show your server your government issued ID and your meal is on us.
• Westport Flea Market (817 Westport Rd., KC, MO): Beginning this Friday, 1/25 (and every Friday until the government shutdown ends) - Westport Flea Market will provide a FREE burger for lunch or dinner to ANY furloughed federal employee with government I. D. We hope this will help our friends and neighbors in need. 

Misc:

• Diapers - Happy Bottoms: Information at www.happybottoms.org/furlough
• Hair Cuts - The Salon on the Plaza (4548 Main St., KC, MO):  Free hair cuts for furloughed employees.
• Pet Food -  Spay and Neuter Kansas City (1116 E 59th St., KC, MO): Offering free pet food for furloughed federal employees.

Living Expenses:

• Catholic Charities: Assisting furloughed workers up to $250.00 toward rent, utilities or medical expenses. Call 816-221-4377.
• KCP&L:  KCP&L understands customers may suddenly be unable to make their payment or have prolonged hardships. We have programs available to assist, including federal government employees affected by the shutdown. It is our practice to offer the best, flexible payment options and arrangements available to all our customers facing hardship. We have a flexible payment plan to help furloughed government workers and will waive any late fees for those affected by the shutdown. Customers should call our customer service line and a customer representative will help identify the best option. Customer service center at (816) 471-5275 or toll-free at 1-888-471-5275.
• First Federal Bank Loan Assistance Information
• Chase Federal Employee Assistance Information 

Attractions:

• Groundhog Day Theater (6906 N Oak Trafficway, Gladstone, MO): In the KC area, we have thousands of federal workers, whether furloughed or required to continue working, not receiving paychecks. Until the shutdown ends, federal workers and their families can see shows at The Groundhog Day Theater for the same amount they're being paid - nothing. Just show your ID.
• Sky Zone (Shawnee & Lee's Summit): 1 hour of free jumping for furloughed families Tuesday-Thursday.
• Wonderscope Children's Museum: Furloughed federal employees: Enjoy the weekend on us! Sat/Sun., 1/26-27, show your federal I.D. and get into Wonderscope FREE (up to five immediate family members included). 

Compiled by Kristina Light