Cha Community Boba Tea Offers Free Meals to Families Impacted by SNAP Pause

WACO, Texas (FOX 44) — In response to the recent pause on SNAP benefits, CHA Community Boba Tea stepped in to help families feeling the strain. The locally owned café and restaurant offered free meals Sunday to Texas SNAP recipients at both its Waco and Temple locations.

Adults were able to receive one complimentary meal by showing a valid Texas SNAP card in person, while children under 18 ate for free.

CHA Community co-owner Jaja Chen said the event was part of the restaurant’s effort to raise awareness and give back to families in need.

“We’re raising awareness that as a small business and local restaurant, we wanted to give back to local families and individuals through free meals specifically,” Chen said. “Just having access to foods — nourishing hot meals — is so crucial to our local communities.”

Chen said the initiative also supports CHA Community’s “Pay It Forward” program, which allows guests to donate funds toward meals for others in need.

“Any of the funds that our guests have contributed to the Pay It Forward meals are going to be donated back to Shepherd’s Heart Food Pantry,” she said. “They need others, like small businesses and individuals, to rally around them for support.”

According to Chen, more than 140 free meals were served to families impacted by the SNAP pause across both CHA Community locations.

The small business hopes the effort inspires others to step up and support local families during challenging times.