When local families began sharing concerns about delays in receiving their SNAP benefits, Casa Aguilar — a family-owned So-Cal fusion restaurant in Hickory — decided to do something simple and powerful: make sure no child or senior in our community goes hungry.
Beginning immediately, Casa Aguilar has been offering one free meal per day to any child or senior who presents a SNAP/EBT card along with a valid ID at their drive-thru window. No appointments or applications — just dignity-based support. If you show up hungry, you’re fed.
The initiative launched just days after news of possible SNAP delays created uncertainty for thousands of families across Catawba County. For many households, SNAP supports school lunches, after-school dinners, and weekend meals. Interruptions in benefits can create an immediate and painful gap, especially for households with young children or elders on fixed incomes.
The Community Responds
The community has rallied in remarkable ways.
In less than two weeks:
- 2,300 individuals have been served free meals
- More than $10,000 has been raised to keep the effort going
- Volunteers from across the area stepped in to help, led by Project Agape
- Local businesses, churches, and organizations joined the effort
Partner support has included contributions or assistance from:
Chick-fil-A • Crumbl • Little Caesars • Whataburger • Dos Amigos Mexican Restaurant • Sunny Side Breakfast • Plant Based Boss • Buy Me Realty • Allison and White Property Management • Concrete Brothers • Mercedes Torres • The Hmong Community Baptist Church • and Project Agape.
Casa Aguilar shared, “No child or elder should ever face hunger… we’re honored to serve our North Carolina neighbors.”
The restaurant, located at 2916 N. Center St. in Hickory, has quickly become more than a kitchen — it has become a gathering point of compassion, generosity, and community strength.
How to Receive a Free Meal
- Who qualifies: Children and seniors presenting a valid EBT card and matching ID
- Where: Casa Aguilar, 2916 N. Center St. Hickory, NC. 28601
- How: Drive-thru pickup
- Limit: One meal per day, per eligible person
How to Support the Effort
If you’d like to help keep this initiative going, Casa Aguilar has made it easy to give:
- CashApp: $CasaAguilarSNAP
- GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/8e117a33f
- Or stop in and buy a $10 “Pay-It-Forward Meal” in person
All donations go directly toward covering the cost of meals for local children and seniors.
Why It Matters
In Catawba County, thousands of households rely on SNAP benefits each month. A short-term disruption can quickly affect family grocery budgets, school meals, and daily routines. Casa Aguilar’s effort bridges that gap — one meal at a time — and shows that even small acts of care can ripple outward in powerful ways.
If your family needs support, please know: you are welcome.
If you are able to give, please know: your generosity directly feeds a neighbor.
This is community at its best.
For more on Casa Aguilar, see below:
Phone: 828-838-1010
