Vermont Comedy Club in Burlington Offers Free Breakfast and Lunch Until SNAP Funding Returns
A beloved local spot in downtown Burlington, the Vermont Comedy Club, is stepping up to help the community as uncertainty looms over federal food assistance. With SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) funding temporarily disrupted, the club is offering two free meals a day to anyone who needs them — no questions asked.
The club, located at 101 Main Street, announced that the initiative will continue “until SNAP is restored (or we run out of money).” Vermont’s state government has covered SNAP benefits through November 15, but the longer-term picture remains unclear. Officials plan to meet again on November 13 to decide whether to extend support if the federal shutdown continues.
From 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., visitors can drop by for a free breakfast sandwich. Then from 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., the club’s Happy Place Café — which normally serves coffee, pastries, and light meals — is offering a sandwich or soup with a side salad for lunch. To receive the free meal, guests simply need to ask for the “happy place meal.” There are no eligibility checks or forms to fill out.
The Vermont Comedy Club, best known for its stand-up and improv shows, also hosts weekly trivia nights and other live performances. The venue includes a cozy café that’s open Wednesday through Sunday, aligning perfectly with the free meal program’s schedule. According to Vermont Comedy Club’s official website, the café operates from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. and serves as a social space during the day before transforming into a lively entertainment hub at night.
What makes this initiative stand out is its community-driven spirit. The club is encouraging those who don’t need food assistance to “pay it forward.” Supporters can add the cost of a free meal to their own bill or donate directly via Venmo, helping the club keep the program running for as long as possible. As Vermont Daily Chronicle reports, the owners hope that local generosity will sustain the effort if the shutdown stretches on.
Meanwhile, Vermont’s Department for Children and Families (DCF) has confirmed that SNAP — known locally as 3SquaresVT — remains active through mid-November. Benefits will continue to be loaded onto EBT cards or sent via direct deposit, just as before. However, the department acknowledges that there is still uncertainty if the federal government fails to fully resume funding soon. More updates are expected following the November 13 meeting. Those looking for official updates can visit the Department for Children and Families website.
As nights grow colder and food insecurity becomes a more urgent issue, the Vermont Comedy Club’s decision is earning appreciation across Burlington. It’s a practical, heartwarming gesture that reminds people how local businesses can make a real difference — one free sandwich at a time.
For anyone in or around Burlington, the Happy Place Café is open and ready to serve those in need — and for those able to contribute, it’s also a chance to help keep neighbors fed until the situation stabilizes.
