Freebies for furloughed government workers
NEW YORK (FOX 5 NY) - The longest shutdown in U.S. history has left roughly 800,000 federal employees furloughed or working without pay.
With the end to the shutdown nowhere in sight (day 34 as of Thursday), the following free services are being offered to help furloughed workers get by.
Potbelly Sandwich Shop: government workers with ID can get a buy-one-get-one free sandwich deal.
SideBAR: free entrée and a Bud Light draft for dinner at the Union Square restaurant.
Brother Jimmy’s: offering free lunch to Federal Employees at its Murray Hill and 8th Avenue Locations until Friday, Jan. 25.
Newark, NJ Utilities Fund: Residents who can document potential or actual utility shut-off with a notice from their utility company may be compensated up to $200 to assist in the re-activation of their utility services. Residents should visit the Newark Department of Health and Community Wellness office located at 110 William Street in the Division of Social Services between the hours of 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Monday through Friday.
Food Bank For New York City and Barclays Center: along with Stop & Shop are hosting a pop-up distribution to provide food, vital products, and other resources. Tuesday, Jan. 22.
The Hotel Association of New York City: free hotel rooms to furloughed federal workers who need to travel to New York City for personal emergencies during the shutdown.
Catholic Charities Brooklyn and Queens: will give out grocery packages, fresh produce and provide onsite access to center staff and case workers to access individual needs. Tuesday, Jan. 22 at Noon; St. Benedict the Moore Parish.
Melba's Restaurant: the Harlem restaurant is offering a free sit-down meal for furloughed workers. Tuesday, Jan. 22, 11 am-3 pm.
Carrabba's Italian Grill: order one of Carrabba's three signature dishes and get a free order of lasagne or spaghetti to take home. Jan. 22- Jan. 31.
Romano’s Macaroni Grill: one complimentary Mom’s Ricotta Meatballs + Spaghetti entrée through Wednesday, Jan. 23, or until the government shutdown ends.
The People's Pantry in Toms River: open on Saturdays during the shutdown from 1:00 - 3:00 pm.
JBJ Soul Kitchen in Toms River: restaurant will provide lunch to federal employees Wednesday, Jan. 22.
AT&T: waiving late fees, providing extensions and coordinating revised payment schedules.
Sprint, T-Mobile and Verizon: willing to work with affected government employees on payment plans and adjusting late fees, providing extensions.
Hackensack Meridian Healthcare: waiving co-pays and deductibles for emergency visits at all network hospitals and urgent care centers and their insured family members
Ally Financial: expanding assistance program to "provide aid and resources for customers affected by the partial U.S. government shutdown.”
Chase and Wells Fargo: are offering leniency for government employees who aren’t receiving a paycheck. In some instances, they’ll waive your overdraft fees and even your late credit card payments with proof that you aren’t receiving a paycheck.
The Metropolitan Opera: offering free tickets to people with government IDs through the end of the month.
Sky Zone Trampoline Park: Up to three immediate family members—one, free 60-minute jump per day at participating Sky Zone locations every Tuesday through Thursday until Jan. 31, 2019.
The Harlem Globetrotters: offering complimentary tickets to currently furloughed U.S. government employees.
Mystic Aquarium: offering weekday complimentary admission to government employees whose jobs are affected by the government shutdown.
Jenkinson's Boardwalk Aquarium: offering free admission for one adult and one child for all furloughed federal employees.
Rosetta Stone: offering 3 month service to the Rosetta Stone app by emailing name and validation information.