With schools closing across Minnesota on Wednesday by order of the governor, and some already shut on Monday, local businesses are stepping up to fill a gap.
Knowing that for many kids, school is where lunch comes from, several Twin Cities restaurants are offering free lunches to kids.
Here are a few of them, though KARE 11's list is not comprehensive.
MINNEAPOLIS
Maya Cuisine & Bar
1840 Central Ave NE, Minneapolis, MN
Every child will receive a free lunch consisting of a cheese quesadilla, rice and beans.
"We are more than honored to be able to help our community in any way that we can, and we will be more than happy to make it happen," Maya posted.
Que Viet
2211 Johnson Street NE, Minneapolis, MN
Starting Wednesday, children can come in for free fried rice.
"I know first hand what it was like to need the help of free school lunches growing up," the Vietnamese restaurant's post reads.
ST. PAUL
Station 280
2554 Como Avenue #7, St. Paul, MN
Anytime after 11 a.m., starting Monday, March 16, kids can get a free lunch including milk, orange juice, turkey sandwich, fruit snacks and an apple at Station 280.
"No child should go hungry, we are here for you," reads Station 280's announcement.
Billy's on Grand
857 Grand Avenue, St. Paul, MN
Billy's on Grand's executive chef Jeremy Bechtold announced that they will be offering free lunches to kids 14 and under from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. all this week (March 16-20).
"No other purchases needed, just feed your kid," Bechtold wrote.
ALBERTVILLE
Dunn Brothers Coffee/Westbridge Community Church
11600 Frankfort PKWY NE, Albertville, MN
Dunn Brothers in St. Michael will partner with Westbridge Community Church to offer free lunches in the church parking lot Monday-Friday 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. The lunches will include a half-sandwich, side and drink. More information is available on Dunn Brothers' Facebook page.
BLAINE
UMI Sushi & Hibachi
10340 Baltimore St NE, Blaine, MN
While schools are closed, UMI says any school-age child in need can receive a kids size chicken lo mein and a fountain drink, no purchase necessary.
EXCELSIOR
318 Cafe
318 Water Street, Excelsior, MN
Excelsior's 318 Cafe says if you call ahead, they will bring a free lunch out to your car for any child in need. They are offering ham, turkey or PB&J sandwiches with fruit slices.
"We believe that kids should never be hungry," the cafe posted. "We also believe that when times get tough, we should take care of each other."
MAPLE GROVE
Great Harvest Maple Grove
13714 Grove Dr, Maple Grove, MN
Great Harvest in Maple Grove is offering free bread and bags of goodies to families in need starting March 16, no questions asked. Their post also says that curbside delivery is available upon request.
ROSEVILLE
Granite City
1595 Highway 36 W, Roseville, MN
The Granite City location in Roseville is offering free lunches to kids including a turkey sandwich, chips and applesauce. "We are all in this together," the restaurant posted in response to the schools closure announcement.
ST. LOUIS PARK
Lucky Cricket
1607 West End Blvd, St. Louis Park, MN
Lucky Cricket in St. Louis Park is immediately committing to providing free meals to kids 12 and under.
WHITE BEAR LAKE
Cafe Cravings
1600 E County Road E, White Bear Lake, MN
Cafe Cravings in White Bear Lake is offering free cold sandwiches and chips to kids from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. They also announced that they'll offer food through their drive-through window with minimal contact.
DULUTH
Burrito Union
1332 E 4th St, Duluth, MN
Burrito Union in Duluth is offering free lunches to kids from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. March 18-30. They are also offering to-go boxes, according to the restaurant's Facebook announcement.
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