Updated freebies during the government shutdown

Indy’s got your back, furloughed workers.

*Update* This post was published last week with three deals for furloughed workers during the government shutdown. Since then, two new businesses have stepped up and added to the list. We will continue to update the post if and when we hear of more deals, but please leave us a comment if you know of any businesses offering freebies at this time.

In case you haven’t been watching the news or reading Facebook lately, the United States government is closed. We at Indianapolis on the Cheap are not about getting involved in political debates or casting blame around for the government shutdown. However, we are interested in letting workers furloughed by the government shutdown know about ways they can save money while they aren’t receiving paychecks. Considering more than 800,000 workers have been furloughed, we’re willing to bet some of our Cheapsters either have been or know someone who has been placed in this stressful situation.

We know of five businesses here in the Indianapolis area who are responding by offering freebies to these workers. They include Papa Roux, the Indianapolis Propylaeum, AMC Theaters, Sam’s Club, and Boston Market. Here are the details on each:

Papa Roux – Owner Art Bouvier is one of the most famous restaurant owners in Indianapolis for a reason—he believes in helping others in the community. In this case, he is accepting IOU’ or partial payments on his delicious Cajun meals from workers furloughed by the government shutdown. Furthermore, he’s taking applications to work at his restaurant for those who need temporary gigs during this uncertain time.

Indianapolis Propylaeum – If you work in Central Indiana, bring your Federal ID Monday through Thursday from 2:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. for FREE tea, sandwiches, and treats for two.

AMC Theaters – Federal employees who present valid government or military ID will receive a FREE small popcorn each visit (or they credit these rewards to save up for larger sizes) for as long as the government shutdown continues.

Sam’s Club – Usually, the cost of membership at Sam’s Club ranges from $45 to $100 annually. During the the government shutdown, however, Sam’s Club is waiving their membership fees for active and retired military personnel and their families.

Boston Market – Boston Market is offering FREE whole chickens to all US military personnel and federal employees with a valid government ID between now and Sunday, October 13. You’ll receive the FREE chicken offer when you also purchase a family meal (which could consist of chicken, meatloaf, turkey, or St. Louis Style BBQ ribs). Just be aware that while the Boston Market Facebook page claims that every location nationwide is recognizing this deal, some local branches may not be up to speed. We recommend you have the site ready on your smartphone when you visit so you can point out the freebie if asked.