On Sunday March 15th, Governer Tim Walz announced at all Minnesota K-12 public schools would close down from March 18th - March 27th in attempt to combat the spread of the cornavirus.

This presents a challenge for Minnesota families. Kids will be home so parents will need to either find childcare or take off work to care for their families. It can also pose a problem with making sure everyone gets fed.

Here is a list of local Central Minnesota business and restaurants helping to make sure kids don't go hungry during this unexpected time off of school.

Childrens carryout meal for $3, includes taco, rice and beans. Thank you for your business Amigos!
- The Navarro family.

We are here to support Our community! with everything goin on we know that it puts a lot of families in a difficult position Anejos of Waite park will  be offering kids specials $3.00 meals include 1 taco rice and beans if for any reason cost is burden to you’re Family Speak with our staff and Will ensure a meal is still provided  for other options and specials contact you’re Waite park location (320)7741004 Thank you for you’re business..
The Casillas Family

We will provide you with a turkey sandwich, potato chips, and yogurt.....free of charge. We are not immune to the effects this school closing could have on families as we have young ones as well. Please let us be a part of your success with the kids at home in the coming weeks, as you've been vital to ours!

We are here to help who we can, when we can. We have helped in the past with hay shortages, fires, sick families, etc and we will continue to stand behind our communities we serve and the people that we call friends and family. If someone is in need, please let us know. We will do what we can to help. From food, daycare, etc even though we don’t offer these in our business, we will find help. Keep your heads high and smiles bright!

If you are concerned about ensuring your children have lunch, Cornerstone Buffet & Restaurant is offering a kids meal option each weekday for just $2.00. Please just call 320-256-6001, let us know how many kids meals you need and we will have them ready for pick up at your requested time.

Meals for the Upcoming Week:
*Monday- Tator Tot Hotdish, Carrots, Bread & Fruit
*Tuesday – Hot Ham & Cheese Sandwich, Corn & Fruit
*Wednesday – Mac & Cheese, Beans, Breadstick and Fruit
*Thursday – Turkey Croissant with Cheese, Carrots & Fruit
*Friday – French Toast, Scrambled Eggs, Hashbrowns and Fruit

Valid at Cornerstone Buffet & Restaurant in Melrose only. If for any reason this cost is a burden to your family, speak with management and they will ensure a meal is still provided. We are all in this together.

From now until the time school resumes we will be offering $2 take out lunches for any students aged 12 and under. The lunch will consist of a sandwich and chips/side and will be available to pick up from 10 to 2 every week day.

Due to the latest news of schools shutting down El Portal will be offering carry out kiddie meals for $2 for a limited time. This currently includes one taco rice and beans. Please remember that they are closed on Mondays.

If you are concerned about ensuring your children have lunch, stop by Granite City Food and Brewery-St. Cloud. Every kid can receive a free lunch that contains a turkey sandwich, chips, and applesauce. Completely free, no other purchase is necessary. Just ask for a Manager and we will be happy to make it happen.

Valid at Granite City Food and Brewery in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

The Hideaway Bar - Rockville 

If theres any child/children that relying on school lunches and need a lunch during school closing Come to The Hideaway for lunch We will more than happy to help out. Please message me and let me know.

House of Pizza - Sartell and St. Cloud

With the recent announcement of schools closing temporarily we understand that it may prevent challenges for families in our communities. Our popular KIDS EAT FREE promotion will be made available Monday – Friday 11am-2pm. That’s right, Kids 12 & under can stop by our restaurants and enjoy their choice of a Pizza or Pasta absolutely free. DINE IN or TAKE OUT ONLY.
Thank you for supporting local.

Kay's Kitchen - St. Joseph 

If you are concerned about ensuring your children have lunch, Kays Kitchen in St Joe will be offering a kids meal option M-F starting this Wednesday for just $2.00. Please just call 320-557-0030 & let us know how many kids meals you need and we will have them ready for pick up at your requested time. If for any reason this cost is a burden to your family, speak with management and we will ensure a meal is still provided. Options for meals listed at the link above.

Free bag lunch for families in need. Lunch includes a turkey and cheese sandwich, a bag of chips, and a bottle of water. No purchase necessary. Just come to the store, talk to one of the workers and they will take care of you. Available starting at 11 am.

We are here to support our community!

With everything going on we know that it puts a lot of families in a difficult position. Olde Brick House will be offering free lunch for those under 12 this Monday through Friday from 11 am to 3 pm. We have a lot of really great selections to make any kiddos tummy happy.

With the recent announcement of schools closing temporarily we understand that it may present challenges for families in our communities. We want to help, so kids 12 & under EAT FREE Monday – Friday 11am-2pm. Stop by for convenient drive thru or take out and enjoy a healthy lunch option with your kids.

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We are offering free kids meals Monday-Friday 11:00 AM to 2:00 PM to kids 12 and under.

Monday—Grilled cheese, applesauce and kids beverage

Tuesday—Two pancakes, choice of two strips of bacon or two sausage links and kids beverage

Wednesday—Two eggs cooked to order, choice of two strips of bacon or two sausage links and kids beverage

Thursday—Two pieces of French toast, gogurt and kids beverage

Friday—Mac and Cheese, applesauce and kids beverage

Kiddos 12 and under who need assistance with lunch during the school closure, please come see us between 11 am - 2 pm Monday-Friday. This is an uneasy time. We are here for your family. Please ask for a manager when you arrive. You will be greeted with a warm smile and we will get your kiddo a free meal from our children's menu and beverage. No adult purchase required and kids are welcome to come in with older sibling or caretaker if needed.

The community is invited to help as well! Should you wish to sponsor a free lunch for a kiddo for $5, please reach out to us and we will make that happen. (If needed, any extra sponsorships will be donated to a local youth nonprofit after this is all over.)

Subway - Pierz, Little Falls (Walmart Location*) & Randall

Subway will be offering our help ensuring area children have lunch. Starting Tues March 17th and going through March, Subway will be offering free meals to school age kids in need from 11am-2pm, Monday through Friday. The meal includes a 4” ham or turkey sandwich, applesauce, and a juice box or a milk. No purchase necessary, no questions asked and no judgments passed. Just say you are here for the free kids meal and we will be happy to oblige.

*Little Falls Walmart location offer starts Wednesday March 18th.

With the purchase of an adult meal, we will offer one free kids meal (up to age 10). Additional kids meal consists of, sandwich and choice of chips or fruit for $2.00 or menu item for $3.00. For a $3.00 fee we will also deliver within a five mile radius of Tutti Fruitti. We will continue this service until the end of March and re-evaluate at that time.
Thank you for your patronage. Hope you stay healthy and safe.

Waffle-It will offer free kids breakfast for anyone elementary school to high school that needs help. Open Tuesday - Friday 6 am - 1 pm.


Know of a restaurant that is looking to help out during this time of need? Email it to abbey@minnesotasnewcountry.com and we will add it to the list. We are all in this together.

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