26X Restaurants is responding to the ongoing government shutdown and its impact on families who rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits. The company announced that all of its locations, including Zunzi’s and Zunzibar in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta, and Hilton Head Island, are participating in Feeding America’s The Next Billion Meals Challenge by Tony Robbins.
Throughout November, 26 cents will be added to every transaction at these restaurants. The collected funds will be donated weekly to Feeding America’s initiative, allowing for rapid distribution within local communities. Each guest donation will be matched by the restaurant, resulting in a total contribution of 52 cents per transaction. According to the company, this amount is equivalent to providing five meals.
Additionally, Zunzi’s and Zunzibar are offering a 50 percent discount during November to all service industry workers. To access this offer, service workers can text “SERVICE” to 912-207-7551 for registration.
Chris Smith, founder and CEO of 26X Restaurants, stated: “The service industry feeds America, and it is in the middle of a silent crisis. Much of the service industry relies on SNAP and other government support. With those programs in jeopardy, the 26X Feeding America movement will help close the gap.”
Data from the Union of Concerned Scientists indicates that about 14.9 million U.S. workers live in households receiving SNAP benefits. Service occupations such as cooks and waitstaff make up roughly 28 percent of these workers. Restaurant employees are among those most likely to depend on SNAP; between 2015 and 2017 an estimated 18 percent of food preparation and service workers received benefits.
Smith added: “The 26X Feeding America movement was inspired by Tony Robbins’ personal story of when he was in need as a child and a good Samaritan delivered a Thanksgiving dinner to his family. His story is not unfamiliar to people all over America. Now is the time for the service industry to unite and show the impact we can make together.”
Zunzi’s began serving students at Savannah College of Art and Design with home-cooked meals in Savannah in 2005 before expanding into Atlanta in 2018 and launching Zunzibar in 2021. New locations have since opened on Tybee Island (2023) and Hilton Head Island (2024).
For more information or to participate in this initiative, visit https://26x.com/26x-feeding-america.
