Instacart, GoPuff, and DoorDash are stepping in to support SNAP participants, since millions of Americans may not receive their benefits in November.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has said it won’t use the SNAP contingency funding, which Congress has allocated for emergency scenarios, if the shutdown extends beyond Friday.
However, two federal judges ruled nearly simultaneously on Friday that President Donald Trump’s administration must continue to fund SNAP, the Associated Press reported.
SNAP helps about one in eight Americans buy groceries.
Here’s how the companies are helping out.
Instacart
Instacart is offering active SNAP customers 50% off their next grocery order, up to a $50 discount. Eligible customers who used EBT SNAP benefits to purchase groceries through Instacart at any time in October will also receive individual discount codes by email in the coming days.
The discount can be redeemed nationwide at any of Instacart’s nearly 180 retail banners and 30,000 stores that accept SNAP payments. The company said it will honor up to 100,000 redemptions, representing a commitment of up to $5 million in direct relief for families using SNAP benefits.
GoPuff
GoPuff is committing up to $10 million in total relief, offering $50 worth of groceries for free – divided into two $25 credits – to customers who have a SNAP EBT card connected to their GoPuff account.
Here’s how it works:
- Add your SNAP EBT card to your Gopuff account if it’s not already connected.
- Fill your online cart with SNAP-eligible groceries.
- Use the code SNAPRELIEF1 between Nov. 1 and 15 for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and free delivery.
- Use the code SNAPRELIEF2 between Nov. 16 and 30 for $25 off SNAP-eligible items and free delivery.
DoorDash
The delivery platform announced the launch of its Emergency Food Response. It said it will provide 1 million free meals through more than 300 food banks and pantries nationwide in November. DoorDash also plans to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients through its app.
Participating grocers include Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Ahold Delhaize brands, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle and Wegmans. The company said customers with a SNAP/EBT card linked to their DoorDash account will be eligible for one fee-free grocery delivery during November.
DoorDash also plans to donate food and household essentials from its DashMart stores to local food banks in communities most affected by the funding freeze.
To further assist families, Gov. Gavin Newsom announced he would deploy the California National Guard and state volunteers on a humanitarian mission to food banks.
To find a food bank, visit cafoodbanks.org.
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