Taqueria Don Chepe’s ‘Meal Board’ pays it forward during shutdown

NILES, Ind. — Amid uncertainty from the ongoing government shutdown, local businesses are stepping up to fight hunger in their community.
Taqueria Don Chepe, an authentic family-run Mexican restaurant in Niles, has launched a meal board, a way for customers to help families in need.

Second generation co-owner Magnolia Mendoza says she saw the simple idea on social media when thinking of ways to help.
Customers can prepay for a meal and pin a ticket to the board in front of the counter, and anyone struggling can take one with no questions asked.

“People are really struggling with everything that’s going on. We wanted to help. We just didn’t know how we could,” Mendoza said.
The Mendozas started the restaurant nearly a decade ago and say they know what it feels like to struggle.

Within a week, the board has provided more than 100 warm free meals, many to children stopping by after school.

“One boy asked if he could take a meal home for his mom after work. I said, of course honey that’s what they are for. Moments like that make a difference,” Magnolia Mendoza shared.

The response has reached beyond Niles, with people from South Bend and Elkhart looking to contribute.

“The government might have a stop or whatever, but coming together as a community, everything is possible,” said Peter Mendoza, the second-generation co-owner Taqueria Don Chepe. “We’re stronger together,” Magnolia added.

The Mendozas plan to keep the board up as long as the community continues to participate and hope other local businesses will join the effort.