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By Suzanne Blake and Gabe Whisnant
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As the federal government prepares to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments amid the shutdown, major companies, including Instacart and DoorDash, are stepping in to help ease the strain on low-income families.
Why It Matters
About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits to help cover their food expenses every month. The payments help low-income individuals and families buy food at their local grocery stores with an EBT card that can be used on qualifying items.
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List of Retailers Offering Discounts Amid SNAP Benefit Crisis
- Instacart
- DoorDash
- Sprouts
- Dollar General
- Stop & Shop
- Winn-Dixie.
- Gopuff
- Zip Co
Instacart announced on Friday that it will offer customers using SNAP benefits 50 percent off their next grocery order. The company also said it would expand its support for food banks, pledging $5 million in relief.
“As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on practical, immediate solutions: helping families who use SNAP stretch their grocery dollars and helping food banks stock up to support their communities,” said Dani Dudeck, Instacart’s chief corporate affairs officer, in a statement.
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Instacart began accepting online SNAP payments in 2020 and currently offers discounted memberships to SNAP recipients, as well as zero delivery fees on orders over $35.
Meanwhile, DoorDash said it will waive delivery fees for approximately 300,000 SNAP orders in November through partnerships with grocers, including Sprouts, Dollar General, Stop & Shop, and Winn-Dixie.
Gopuff and Zip Co. also announced aid programs, with Gopuff offering $50 in free groceries and Zip providing temporary no-fee payment plans for eligible users.
Are SNAP Benefits Coming in November 2025?
Due to the government shutdown, SNAP payments have been canceled for the month of November at the federal level so far, although many states are working to address the resulting funding gap.
However, a federal judge in Rhode Island has ruled SNAP must be funded with emergency funds and is ordering an update by Monday. The process of adding funds could take one to two weeks, and the federal judge's ruling is likely to face an appeal.
How Many People Could Lose SNAP Benefits?
Approximately 42 million Americans receive SNAP benefits to help cover the cost of food each month. This includes a significant number of low-income children.
What People Are Saying
Kevin Thompson, the CEO of 9i Capital Group and the host of the 9innings podcast, told Newsweek: "There have been an outpouring from the small business communities around my area. Some are offering free meals for kids at their establishments while others may be offering discounted meals. Furthermore, grocery stores are now donating goods to food banks while restaurants are being asked to donate unused food items. The power of community is beginning to show itself as we stand united as Americans."
Dr. Wayne Winegarden, an economist at the free-market Pacific Research Institute, told Newsweek: "It will undoubtedly help people stretch their food budgets, which is useful. For perspective though, total SNAP spending is around $100 billion annually compared to total Instacart revenues around $3.5 billion. Therefore, while helpful, the efforts are no substitute for the government’s support."
Alex Beene, a financial literacy instructor for the University of Tennessee at Martin, told Newsweek: "Any business that sells groceries is going to feel the pinch of fewer customers in the coming weeks. Be on the lookout for stronger discounts on items both online and in store circular ads as these retailers hope to attract some additional foot traffic from the customers they'll undoubtedly lose as long as the shutdown continues."
What Happens Next
Due to the recent ruling by a federal judge to continue funding SNAP with emergency funds, it is possible that federal support will not run out at the end of this month, Winegarden said, provided there will still be significant impacts on hunger in America.
"Overall, it does seem like a compromise is possible within the next week or two. Of course, the chances these talks get derailed are still possible," Winegarden said.
Update 10/31/25, 5:59 p.m. ET: This article was updated with comment from Kevin Thompson, Dr. Wayne Winegarden, and Alex Beene, and additional information.
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