AMES, Iowa -- An Ames Mexican restaurant is aiming to help their community after SNAP benefits were delayed amidst the federal government shutdown.

El Jefe Authentic Mexican Cuisine posted on Facebook last week that it would be offering "community meals" to anyone in need at no cost, no questions asked. The meal contains either two tacos or two enchiladas (beef or chicken), as well as beans and rice.

"When they lost their jobs, everything, like it's too hard, too hard to find some food. We try to help the people, like everybody, take home some food, something to eat tonight," Santiago Flores with El Jefe said.

The restaurant will be offering the free meals every Monday throughout November.

Initially, the U.S. Department of Agriculture planned to pause SNAP payments starting November 1

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