‘Step up with us’: Downtown Fresno businesses challenge others to help

FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE) – Several businesses in Downtown Fresno are doing their part to help feed people in need through the government shutdown, as SNAP benefits see major cuts and pauses.

BB’s Gelateria Owner Stacy Williams says she is collecting canned goods, accepting gift cards, and encouraging customers to sponsor a scoop of gelato for furloughed workers during the shutdown.

“We are taking the canned food drive through about November 18th or 20th,” Williams said. “Just in the last few days, I’ve received about $1,000 in gift cards from folks that I’ve been able to actually put in the hands of people this week.”

Williams says being within walking distance of several federal buildings, she’s seen the effect of the shutdown firsthand from customers.

“Being a downtown business, I would say a large majority of our folks working in Downtown are in the government,” Williams said. “From the IRS, to the City, to the county; folks down here are losing their jobs.”

Williams says as a Fresno native, she felt she had to do something to help the community that raised her.

“People talk negatively about Fresno, and we’re amazing. Do we have some pockets of difficulty? Of course, we do. But we are all great people,” Williams said. “My great-grandfather moved here in 1930. We have five generations here. These are my people. This is my town.”

5 minutes southeast of BB’s, vegan restaurant, Plant Slayer, is offering free meals to anyone on SNAP during Plant Slayer’s regular business hours of 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

“We believe, like all beings, you know, should be treated with compassion and respect,” Perez said. “We’re just trying to do our part to help our community.”

Perez says she understands there is a stigma that comes especially with being a parent on SNAP, and she wants to reassure anyone thinking of accepting a free meal that Plant Slayer is a “judgment-free zone.”

“We don’t want anyone to feel ashamed or embarrassed to come because you know, we get it,” Perez said. “We aren’t asking for proof of SNAP benefits. It’s the honor system.”

Williams says she also has a judgment-free policy, and says BB’s and Plant Slayer aren’t the only ones doing their part to help during the shutdown.

According to Williams, she is one of three drop-off businesses in Downtown Fresno collecting canned food, including Judging By the Cover Books, and Fresno Inclusive.

Williams says even food trucks like El Jabalito have stepped up to feed the community.

Williams says she encourages businesses all over Fresno to follow suit and help feed their neighbors.

“If you guys are in River Park or you’re in Copper River or you’re in other parts of town,” Williams said. “All of us downtown, really small businesses, are trying to step up. I challenge you to come step in with us.”