The government shutdown’s effects are being felt throughout the Arlington area. Compounded by job losses through reductions in force since January and the end of salary payments through the “fork in the road” offer Oct. 1, many 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 Oct. 31.
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)
Military Families Food Market
The Veteran Success Resource Group has partnered with Paisano’s With a Purpose and Great American Community Kitchen to mobilize an emergency food market to support military members and their families who are affected by the shutdown. On Nov. 1, 11 a.m.-3 p.m., active military members and their families will be able to shop the market for free, get hot meals from Paisano’s and take home more meals from Great American Community Kitchen. Paisano’s Pizza Lorton, 9429 Lorton Market St., Lorton
Harvey’s
This Falls Church restaurant started offering 25% off any meal Oct. 25, with the discount increasing by 1% for each day the shutdown continues. Chef and owner Thomas Harvey invites the community and members of Congress to participate through the “Feed the Furloughed” board, paying forward a meal for someone in need. The restaurant will donate any unclaimed meals to Doorways, a nonprofit that supports survivors of domestic violence. The program will continue while the shutdown lasts. 513 W. Broad St., Falls Church
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)
Free Fitness Classes for Furloughed Employees
Verve Health and Fitness is hosting free classes almost daily from Oct. 22-30, noon-1 p.m. (the Oct. 25 class is from 10-11 a.m.). Classes max out at 15 people so register today for the Verve WOD (Workout of the Day) or Metabolic Conditioning. 1621 N. Kent St., Arlington (Rosslyn)
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.
Arlington Thrive
The organization, which serves as a financial safety net for Arlington residents, has partnered with Feast & Fettle, a meal delivery service launching in Arlington in January 2026, to offer a week of free, chef-prepared meals to the first 100 affected federal workers who sign up. All deliveries will be made Oct. 29. Items include chicken pot pie, lasagna, salad, fresh-baked blueberry oatmeal muffins and brown butter chocolate chip cookies.
Honeygrow
Federal workers can get 20% off their order at this fast-casual chain. It specializes in customizable stir-fry and salad dishes, plus desserts called honeybars. For example, the Brownie Crumble honeybar comes with strawberries, grapes, milk chocolate chips, brownie crumbles, whipped cream and clover honey. A new location opened last week in Falls Church’s Barcroft Plaza. 8399 Leesburg Pike, Vienna (Tysons), and 6464 Lincolnia Road, Falls Church
Bawadi Mediterranean Grill
On Oct. 20, 6-9 p.m., this Falls Church eatery is offering a free dinner buffet to furloughed government workers and their families. 6304 Leesburg Pike, Falls Church
The Teal Center
Knead stress away with a discounted massage. Furloughed feds pay $99 for a 60-minute massage on Monday-Thursday until the shutdown ends. 4001 9th St., N., Arlington (Ballston)
Paisano’sÂ
The Arlingtonian-owned local pizza chain is offering 30% off all pizzas for anyone affected by the government shutdown. Use code “TOGETHER” when placing an order and provide a valid government ID. The deal is good throughout the duration of the shutdown. See website for locations.
Mason Arts
George Mason University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts is offering free tickets to select performances. They include La Santa Cecilia on Nov. 15, 8 p.m., and Chicka Chicka Boom Boom on Nov. 8, 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. To get yours, call or go in person to the box office and confirm which agency you work for.
Alamo Drafthouse Cinema
The Crystal City location of this movie-theater-meets-restaurant is offering $7 tickets on Mondays-Wednesdays through the end of October. 1660 Crystal Drive, Arlington (National Landing)
The Toy Nest
Part toy library, part play place, this Falls Church shop is inviting federal workers to bring their children to play for free once a week for one hour on weekdays before 3 p.m. during the government shutdown. Bring your employee ID. 125 N. Washington St., Falls Church
Beauty Champagne & Sugar Boutique
Government workers and their family members and friends who need a pick-me-up can enjoy free coffee and tea at this National Landing bistro. 576 S. 23rd St., Arlington (National Landing)
Stellina Pizzeria
Locations of this award-winning local chainlet are offering half off all drinks and all-day happy hour until the shutdown ends. 2800 S. Randolph St., Arlington (Shirlington), 1700 N. Moore St., Arlington (Rosslyn) and 1610 Capital One Drive, Tysons
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)
Taco Bamba
All locations of this taqueria are offering a buy one, get one deal on tacos during the current government shutdown. To take advantage of the offer, present a valid federal employee ID when placing an order at the restaurant. See website for locations.Â
Thompson Restaurants
Get 20% off 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.
Compass Coffee
Founded in 2014 in D.C. by two ex-Marines, this coffee shop with a slew of area locations is giving people with a federal ID a free pastry with their drink order. See website for locations.
DuCard Vineyards
If you’re a furloughed fed with unexpected time on your hands, maybe take the one-hour-and-50-minute drive to Etlan, Virginia, to enjoy a glass of free wine. Bring a valid federal ID. 40 Gibson Hollow Lane, Etlan
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.
Savvy Assistant Co.
Get a free Productivity Jumpstart Package, which includes structured job search management to stay organized during the application process and a Digital Decluttering guide to tidy up your digital workspace. Available August-October from this Fairfax-based company.
Samantha Digital
Mason Career Academy
George Mason University announced May 22 the opening of this new academy that displaced federal workers may attend for a $20 registration fee. It offers 90-plus online micro-credential courses and industry-recognized certifications in sought-after skills such as data analytics, cybersecurity and project management.
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 CORE
Former feds looking to launch a business can learn how through this Fairfax County resource. The Fairfax CORE Business Startup Guide has info on planning, permitting and launching, and the Resource Navigator connects budding business owners with more than 120 resource providers who offer free, specialized assistance. Check the Events Calendar for free and low-cost education and training.
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.
Fairfax County Public Schools
Virginia’s largest school district is offering to help federal workers transition into careers in either educational or operational positions. The webpage “Continue Your Public Service Journey at FCPS” links to a self-paced online teacher-prep program and explains how to obtain a teaching license. People with bachelor’s degrees can get provisional licenses within weeks. FCPS also offers a variety of operational roles in departments such as finance, human resources, safety and security, food service, transportation and facilities. Slides from a recent presentation to current and former federal workers and contractors are available here.
Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments
Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA)
Resource Tuesdays at Refraction Innovation Hub
With a goal of supporting early-stage tech startups and entrepreneurs, this organization has a free weekly co-working and support program designed to help professionals in career transition. Use a workspace with free Wi-Fi and stocked kitchens, get career advice, and learn the details you need start a new business every Tuesday. 7950 Jones Branch Drive, McLean
Roda
The mobile mechanic company is offering affected feds 30% off any auto service, including maintenance and detailing, with code TOGETHER30.