During the government shutdown, which began on December 22, 2018, Great Harvest Bread Cafe added a shelf to its bakery walls specifically for those affected by the shutdown. All federal workers and their families were free to walk into any store and grab the free, delicious treats that some had not had the luxury to purchase since December.

Locations throughout the country supplied “Shutdown Shelves” while the extra loaves of bread lasted. A sign posted on the shelf read, “If you’re an area government employee who isn’t receiving a paycheck during this difficult time, please ask, and we would be so happy to make sure to have a free loaf of Great Harvest Bread for your household.”

Virginia locations of Great Harvest Bread Co. cafes:

• 1711 Centre Plaza, Alexandria, VA 22302
• 44260 Ice Rink Plaza, Ashburn, VA, 20147
• 6030-G Burke Commons Rd., Burke, VA 22015
• 1701 Allied Ln., Charlottesville, VA 22903
• 785 Station St., Herndon, VA, 20170
• 9000 Lorton Station Blvd., Lorton, VA 22079
• 13541 Midlothian Turnpike, Midlothian, VA 23113*** (located in the Midlothian community)
• 9369 Atlee Rd. – Rutland Commons, Mechanicsville, VA 23116
• 132 Church St. NW, Vienna, VA, 22180
• 108 Main St., Warrenton, VA 20186