The government reopened, but the effects of it and the reductions in force this year have left many area residents are in a tight spot. The following local businesses, nonprofits, public schools and municipal governments are offering help in the form of job fairs, discounts and deals.
Updated Nov. 17.
Federal Worker Appreciation Day
Westover Farmers Market will host a morning of gratitude Nov. 23, 8 a.m.-noon, with market vendors giving discounts and specials to feds. Some of the Westover businesses will donate gift cards for them too. 1644 McKinley Road, Arlington (Westover)
Giant Food and D.C. United Foundation
The grocery chain and the charitable arm of D.C.’s pro soccer team will give away 1,000 holiday meal kits to people in need this month. Each kit will include a turkey breast, Giant Food gift card, fresh produce and nonperishable sides, plus a special, chef-created spice blend. Federal workers and SNAP recipients may reserve a kit through this sign-up form and pick up the goods in person Nov. 25 at the Giant at 1400 Seventh St., NW, Washington, D.C. Additionally, Giant will provide 7,800 whole turkeys, 7,500 turkey breasts and 4,000 pumpkin pies to people in the region and distribute $25,000 in Giant Food gift cards to first responders and veterans for the upcoming holiday.
Arlington Public Schools’ Free Hot Evening Meals
Starting Nov. 7, APS families can enjoy a free hot meal at Yorktown, Washington-Liberty and Wakefield high schools from 5:30-7:30 p.m., Monday-Friday (except for Nov. 11, when schools are closed for Veterans Day). Each school will serve 250 meals in its cafeteria to be eaten onsite. Complete this form to help APS determine need
Chicken Salad Chick
The Falls Church and Fairfax locations of this growing chain are offering a kids eat free program for little ones 12 and younger—no purchase necessary. The deal is good once Virginia’s Emergency Nutrition Assistance program goes into effect Nov. 3 and continues until SNAP benefits are restored statewide. To get the meal, children must be present. 7505 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church, and 13057 Lee Jackson Memorial Highway, Fairfax
Dogma Dog Bakery & Boutique
Struggling to buy food for your pets? Furloughed workers can email the store at shirlington@dogmabakery.com to let staff know what food they need. Someone will respond when the food is in stock and available for pickup as a “special order.” To help with this cause, consider participating in the “buy one, give one” program—purchasing from a list of needed foods. 2772 S. Arlington Mill Drive, Arlington (Shirlington)
Nue Elegantly Vietnamese
Get $5 off cocktails, $3 off glasses of wine and $2 off beer during happy hour. It runs weekdays, 4-6 p.m., and Friday and Saturday, 9:30-11:30 p.m. Mention this Instagram post to get the deal. 944 W. Broad St., Falls Church
Palette 22
Federal employees can get half off food and non-alcoholic beverages. Just show your federal ID or badge at this Shirlington restaurant. 4053 Campbell Ave., Arlington (Shirlington)
NiHao
Chef Peter Chang has a BOGO deal on dishes during happy hour, which is weekdays 4-6 p.m. Our food critic recommends the dry-pot chili shrimp, among other dishes. 1550 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
Small Angels Rescue
If you’re a furloughed fed who needs help feeding your pet, contact this organization. Include information on the type of pet, what care items you need and the brands you use. A coordinator will respond and have what you need sent to your address. This group works with gerbils, guinea pigs, hamsters, mice and rats.
Mason Arts
George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts is offering free tickets to select performances. To get yours, call or go in person to the box office and confirm which agency you work for.
One More Page Books
The independent bookseller is giving free books and puzzles to community members who are affected by the shutdown. “Stop in for a treat, a hug or a place to chill,” a Facebook post states. 2200 N. Westmoreland St., Arlington (East Falls Church)
TalentCapital.AI
Leaders from across the Greater Washington region launched on Oct. 1 a groundbreaking tool to support displaced federal workers. The digital platform offers free job matching, career training, re-skilling, credentialing and coaching. Housed at the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments, it helps DMV residents navigate career transitions and connect with employment opportunities. Unlike static job boards, it uses agentic AI, a form of artificial intelligence that adapts based on individuals’ skills, location and career goals.
Hyde Social
All drinks are half off daily, 4-7 p.m., for the duration of the shutdown. 3100 Clarendon Blvd., Arlington (Clarendon)
Immigrant Food
Not a fed but still stressed? Everyone can get a classic marg for $5, rather than the usual $12, at this gastroadvocacy eatery. 4245 Fairfax Drive, Arlington (Ballston)
Thompson Restaurants
Get 20% off through Nov. 21 when you show a valid government ID at any of the restaurant group’s 65-plus locations across the DMV. Brands include Matchbox, Makers Union, Wiseguy Pizza, Big Buns and more. The discount will remain available until the government reopens. See website for locations.
Rescue Media
This Alexandria-based video production and webcasting company is offering federal employees looking to start a new business or side hustle 25% off a professionally produced 60-second promotional video. The Starter Video Package includes a one-hour studio session, light scripting support, full editing and delivery of a social-media-ready final cut. Offer available through Dec. 31.
Samantha Digital
Arlington County Assistance for Federal Employees and Contractors
“Arlington is working to support federal employees and contractors in our community who may need unanticipated help,” says the county website. Find a local government gig in Arlington County or get free assistance with resumes, cover letters, interviewing and using LinkedIn for networking from the Arlington Employment Center.
Arlington Public Library
The library’s calendar is chock full of worker-focused programs at branches countywide. Attend self-help courses such as Practicing Mindfulness and employment info sessions such as interview workshops and drop-in resume and job search help.
Fairfax County Federal Workforce Resource Hub
Watch this webpage for updates on local resources and employment fairs, plus links to available jobs and help with health care coverage and financial assistance.
Roda
The mechanic that offers free valet pick-up and dropoff is offering affected feds 30% off any auto service, including maintenance and detailing, with code TOGETHER30.