DoorDash Delivers Relief Amid SNAP Benefit Pause

With the federal government shutdown dragging on and the looming halt of SNAP benefits on November 1, millions of Americans are facing a potential hunger crisis. This is especially concerning for the 10.5 million Black households that rely on SNAP. But in this challenging time, DoorDash is stepping in with a significant initiative to provide much-needed relief.

DoorDash’s Emergency Food Response

DoorDash has launched an ‘Emergency Food Response’ aimed at bridging the gap left by the potential SNAP pause. This program is set to deliver 1 million meals through its network of over 300 partner organizations nationwide. Additionally, they are waiving delivery and service fees for 300,000 SNAP recipient grocery orders, helping families stretch their budgets further.

Max Rettig, VP and Global Head of Public Policy at DoorDash, emphasized the company’s commitment, stating, “No one should go hungry in America – period.” He acknowledged that while this initiative is a stopgap measure and not a permanent solution, inaction is not an option. DoorDash is also donating fresh food and essential household items from its DashMart locations to local food banks throughout November.

Supporting Food Banks and Families

The company is waiving merchant fees for all its Project DASH partner food banks and pantries for the entire month of November. This effort builds on DoorDash’s existing Project DASH program, which has facilitated over 8 million deliveries (equating to approximately 135 million meals) since 2018. The demand on food banks has been unprecedented, with many reporting doubled or tripled visitor numbers.

The food security of millions of people who rely on SNAP is at dire risk… We are thankful for the part that companies and organizations across the country, like DoorDash can do to try to fill the gap. — Eric Mitchell, President of Alliance to End Hunger

For individuals using SNAP/EBT cards on DoorDash, the platform and its grocery partners are covering delivery and service fees for 300,000 orders. Eligible customers will need to use a specific promo code, available on or before November 1, at SNAP-enabled stores on the DoorDash platform.

DoorDash stresses that their efforts, while significant, cannot fully address the scale of the crisis. They highlight the irreplaceable role of the federal government and urge Congress to come together to ensure SNAP benefits are fully funded and protected. In the meantime, they encourage individuals and organizations to support local food banks through donations of food, money, or time.