With the government shutdown creating uncertainty for families relying on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, 26X Restaurants has stepped up to help. All 26X Restaurant locations are participating in Feeding America’s The Next Billion Meals Challenge by Tony Robbins. This includes all Zunzi’s and Zunzibar locations in Savannah, Tybee Island, Atlanta and Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.
Throughout November, 26 cents will be added to every transaction at the restaurants. These funds will be donated weekly, enabling them to reach local communities quickly through Feeding America’s The Next Billion Meals Challenge by Tony Robbins. Each donation made through guest checks will be matched by the restaurant, totaling 52 cents per transaction, the equivalent of providing five meals.
To further support those who keep our communities running, participating Zunzi’s and Zunzibar restaurants are offering 50 percent off to all service industry workers during November. Service industry workers can text “SERVICE” to 912-207-7551 to register for the discount.
“The service industry feeds America, and it is in the middle of a silent crisis,” says Chris Smith, 26X founder and CEO. “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.”
According to the Union of Concerned Scientists, approximately 14.9 million U.S. workers live in households that receive SNAP benefits. Service occupations, including restaurant employees such as cooks and waitstaff, accounte for about 28 percent of those workers. Restaurant employees are among the most likely to rely on SNAP, with an estimated 18 percent of food preparation and service workers receiving benefits between 2015 and 2017.
“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,” adds Smith. “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 opened in Savannah, Georgia, in 2005 to feed hungry Savannah College of Art and Design students with home-cooked meals. The award-winning concept has since captured the hearts of locals and visitors alike, expanding to Atlanta in 2018 and introducing Zunzibar in 2021. Additional Zunzibar locations opened in Tybee Island in 2023 and Hilton Head Island, S.C. in 2024.
To learn more and join the initiative, visit 26x.com/26x-feeding-america.
