Elk Grove barbershop to host food drive, free cuts amid SNAP benefits freeze

With the holidays approaching and the U.S. government freezing SNAP benefits due to the federal shutdown, an Elk Grove business owner is stepping up to support his community.

Dwyane Love, owner of the Fade Room Barbershop, 9643 E. Stockton Blvd. in the Elk Park Village plaza — home to Pig Latin, Station 16 and Crunch Fitness — announced plans for a food and grooming drive. He will distribute holiday staples and offer free haircuts to Elk Grove residents.

Love also owns a second Fade Room location at Franklin and Laguna boulevards. However, the giveback event is scheduled for 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 23, at the East Stockton site.

Love said he plans to hand out turkey, milk, eggs, lunch meat, water and other essentials.

Each family will be limited to one bag of items, distributed on a first-come, first-served basis, he said.

“I understand times are hard, and with the government shutting down EBT I know there are a lot of people that will be left without food,” Love said. “The Fade Room wants the community to know that we understand, and we are in this together.”

Love has committed $2,000 of his own money to purchase supplies and said he will make a bulk grocery store trip the day before the event to “keep everyone’s food fresh,” especially items like eggs, milk and turkey.

A typical haircut at the shop runs between $35 and $50, but Love said haircuts will be free for all ages during the event.

“Here at the Fade Room East Stockton, we are truly dedicated to looking out for the community, because without the community there is no the Fade Room,” Love said. “Anytime we are in position to give back we will do so with excitement.”

Love said he is ready to cover all costs himself but welcomes donations or sponsorships to support the effort.

Donations can be dropped off at barbershop or sent via Cash App to $thefaderoom916.