Since October 2025, the U.S. federal government has been shut down due to a budget impasse, causing many social security programs to be suspended. The most directly affected are low-income families and seniors who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to meet basic living needs. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, food assistance for over 41 million Americans will be halted starting in November; in Massachusetts alone, more than one million residents depend on SNAP benefits to maintain their daily nutrition. For these vulnerable groups, the suspension of food aid does not merely mean inconvenience—it represents a profound crisis of survival and dignity.

 

At this critical moment, we cannot stand idly by.
The Asian American community has long been known for its diligence, solidarity, and spirit of mutual assistance. In this time of national challenge, we must once again embody those values. Responding to the call from the Boston Asian American Association (AAAB) and leveraging the influence of the Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA) within our industry, we now formally issue this initiative to all Asian restaurant owners in Massachusetts:

 

Let us unite, take action, and support those most affected by the federal shutdown.

1. Daily Free Meal Assistance
During the government shutdown, we encourage each restaurant to prepare a fixed number of free take-out meals each day, according to its capacity. Even one additional meal per restaurant per day, when combined across the community, can bring warmth to thousands of families.

2. Food and Financial Donations
In addition to restaurant participation, we warmly welcome food suppliers, wholesalers, supermarkets, and other businesses to donate ingredients, beverages, or packaging supplies to support this effort.
Businesses and individuals unable to contribute materials directly may instead offer monetary donations. All funds will be managed by MARA and used exclusively for food procurement, packaging, and delivery to those most in need.
For donation details, please email info@ma-ara.org (subject line: Community Care Donation).

3. Volunteer Participation
We also invite community volunteers to join this initiative. Volunteers can assist with meal preparation, delivery, information sharing, or outreach to seniors and families in need. Whether you can offer time, transportation, or specific skills, your participation will make a meaningful difference.
To volunteer, please email info@ma-ara.org (subject line: Community Care Volunteer).

4. Registration and Certification
Restaurants, businesses, and individuals interested in participating in this charitable initiative may register via email (send to info@ma-ara.org with subject line: [Charity Meal Initiative]). MARA will provide you with a unified “MARA Caring Meals” digital certification badge and honorary certificate to recognize your contribution to the community. Participating restaurants and businesses may print and display this badge in their establishments, on commercial vehicles, or on takeout packaging to showcase the spirit of solidarity and mutual support within the Asian food service industry to the community.

5. Promotion and Coordination
MARA will publicize the list of participating restaurants and their meal distribution times through our website, social media, and community channels. We also encourage restaurants to collaborate with local community centers, food banks, and churches to help disseminate this information to more people in need. For seniors or individuals facing mobility or language barriers, we will mobilize community volunteers to assist, ensuring that each free meal truly reaches those who need it most.

This initiative is not only a short-term emergency measure but also a collective practice of social responsibility and a testament to the strength of community solidarity.

 

Every restaurant’s act of kindness contributes to a wave of compassion that demonstrates the Asian restaurant industry’s commitment to the broader community. By joining this free meal effort, each business not only provides tangible relief but also builds a strong and positive brand reputation—earning trust, goodwill, and long-term recognition.

 

We firmly believe that kindness will flow throughout our communities, and unity will become the warmest strength of this winter. Together, we can help Massachusetts’ low-income families and seniors through this challenging period.

 

We therefore call on all Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Vietnamese, Thai, Indian, Filipino, and other Asian restaurants across Massachusetts to join this movement, contribute what they can, and make this winter a little less cold.

 

Thank you for your time, generosity, and compassion.
Let us work hand in hand, overcome hardship together, and showcase the enduring spirit of unity and goodwill within the Asian American community.

To help community members find additional support, we have compiled a list of public food aid and volunteer resources:

Issued by: Massachusetts Asian Restaurant Association (MARA)
Date: October 31, 2025