Starting at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, November 5, Fratello’s will offer a free slice of pizza and a bottled water or juice to individuals and families affected by the benefits disruption. Those seeking assistance can present a valid EBT card and identification during regular business hours. The offer is available while supplies last.
Alongside the free meal, Fratello’s has also stocked its vestibule with a variety of essential food and household items, including apple juice, crackers, mac and cheese, cookies, baby food, and fruit snacks. Supplies will be distributed on a first-come, first-served basis. Organizers encourage visitors to take only what they need so the resources can reach as many families as possible.
“We want to support the community as much as they support us,” said Pablo Rojas, owner of Fratello’s Bistro. “We try to help whenever we can, and during this time we know families are in need. Teaming up with Jeff and with the help of some amazing donors, we will do this as long as we can — and any new donors can stop by to sponsor a pizza or two.”
The initiative was spearheaded by Jeffrey Dunkel of Palo Alto, who was inspired by a similar effort in Northumberland County. “I reached out to Pablo Monday evening, and without hesitation he said he and his family’s business were in,” Dunkel said. “We met Tuesday afternoon and began planning to start Wednesday. The Rojas family always gives back and helps where they can. They’re great people who run a great business.”
Dunkel added that support from the community has been immediate and generous. “Within an hour of reaching out to some friends and business owners, I had $500 promised — it kind of snowballed. I witnessed many families in Schuylkill County suffer during the COVID shutdown, so we’ll do what we can during this unfortunate event.”
He also noted Fratello’s history of community support. “Pablo and Ruben both reached out to me for the lunch program during the COVID shutdown — without even being asked — and simply said, ‘Whatever you need for the kids, we got you.’ They fulfilled that promise time after time.”
Those interested in contributing can drop off juice boxes, bottled water, or monetary donations at Fratello’s Bistro during normal business hours. All proceeds and supplies will go directly toward helping local families affected by the SNAP shutdown.
Community sponsors who have contributed to the effort include:
Midway Contracting and Consulting, Aarons of Pottsville, A&E Auto Pottsville, the Glauda Family, Scott Price, JP and Barb Powers, T&E Crafts and Creations, Alison and Jay Calabrese, Gina Gargano, and Judi Barton.