Instacart and DoorDash Provide Discounts for SNAP Recipients
Instacart and DoorDash are stepping up to provide assistance for SNAP recipients as significant changes in food aid payments loom. With the U.S. Department of Agriculture planning to freeze Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments on November 1, both companies have introduced programs aimed at supporting customers reliant on these benefits.
Instacart Offers Major Discounts for SNAP Recipients
Instacart announced on Friday that it will offer a substantial discount of 50% off the next grocery order for customers using SNAP benefits. This offer applies to anyone who placed an order in October using a SNAP/EBT card. The discount remains valid even if the government follows through with the planned payment freeze.
As part of its initiatives, Instacart is expanding its support for food banks, increasing the number of online food drives it conducts from 100 to 300. The company estimates that its relief measures will amount to approximately $5 million.
Dani Dudeck, Instacart’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer, commented, “As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on practical, immediate solutions.” The objective is to help families stretch their grocery budgets and ensure food banks are well-stocked for community needs.
DoorDash Joins the Initiative
DoorDash is also taking action to assist SNAP recipients. The company announced it will waive service and delivery fees for an estimated 300,000 grocery orders in November. This initiative includes partnerships with 25 grocery companies, such as:
- Sprouts
- Dollar General
- Giant Eagle
- Stop & Shop
- Winn-Dixie
- BJ’s Wholesale Club
- ShopRite
In addition to waiving fees, DoorDash plans to deliver one million meals from food banks at no charge. The company reports that over 2.4 million of its users have linked their SNAP/EBT cards to their accounts.
Gopuff and Other Support for SNAP Recipients
Gopuff, a Philadelphia-based delivery service, is also offering support. It will provide $50 in free groceries for SNAP recipients who connect their account with a SNAP/EBT card. Gopuff has allocated up to $10 million for this initiative.
Furthermore, Zip Co, an Australian “buy now, pay later” platform, is introducing no-fee installment payment options for SNAP recipients who require assistance with grocery purchases if the government doesn’t process payments as scheduled. Interested users need to complete a form in the Zip app.
Conclusion
With the upcoming changes in SNAP funding, major companies like Instacart and DoorDash are stepping forward to offer critical support to those in need. As these initiatives unfold, the aim is to alleviate the burden on families who depend on SNAP benefits during challenging times.
