Cherry Hill bagel shop offers free bagels to individuals affected by government shutdown.

In the wake of an ongoing government shutdown affecting numerous federal employees, a Cherry Hill establishment is stepping up to provide support through a simple yet generous initiative. K&A Bagel Cafe, situated conveniently off Route 70, is offering free bagels to individuals impacted by the shutdown, which has left many working without pay.

The cafe plans to distribute these complimentary bagels from Wednesday to Sunday for the duration of the shutdown. From 12:50 p.m. to 1:00 p.m. each day, patrons are invited to stop by and receive a bag of bagels without any questions asked. This initiative not only aims to assist federal workers but also reaches out to local community members facing difficulties related to the government’s financial impasse.

Owner Andrew Cunningham noted that leftover bagels typically earmarked for donation to the Cherry Hill Food Pantry on Tuesdays have inspired this new program. Recognizing the need to prevent surplus food from going to waste during other days of the week, Cunningham saw this as an opportunity to give back more effectively.

The dual challenges presented by the shutdown extend beyond the plight of federal employees. Nearly 2 million residents of Pennsylvania and 800,000 individuals in New Jersey are projected to lose essential Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits if the stalemate continues into November. This situation underlines the critical importance of community resources during times of economic uncertainty.

Cunningham’s recent Facebook post detailing the free bagel initiative has garnered widespread attention, accumulating hundreds of shares and likes within a short period. He expressed hope that this outreach would be beneficial to those in need.

K&A Bagel Cafe, which Cunningham operates with his wife Katie, has been a staple in the community for approximately a decade. The bagel shop offers a variety of classic items alongside unique flavors, including dill pickle cream cheese and pesto bagels. While Katie manages their other business, Kiss & Tale bookshop, her husband oversees the bagel cafe.

In an effort to streamline access to food for anyone facing food insecurity, Cunningham emphasized that individuals could come in at the designated times without requiring prior arrangement. Those with specific dietary needs, such as allergies, are encouraged to inform him so he can provide suitable options.

The actions taken by K&A Bagel Cafe illustrate the profound impact small businesses can have on their communities, especially during challenging economic times.