by Washington, D.C. — As the federal government temporarily halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments during the ongoing shutdown, several major companies — including Instacart, DoorDash, and Dollar General — are stepping in to help low-income families struggling to buy food and groceries.
Millions Face Uncertainty as SNAP Benefits Stall
More than 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits every month to help cover food expenses. These benefits allow low-income households to purchase groceries using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards for eligible food items.
The suspension of payments has left families across the nation anxious about how to put food on the table. In response, private companies are introducing discounts, fee waivers, and relief programs to provide temporary help during the funding freeze.
Retailers Providing Relief to SNAP Recipients
Several major corporations are offering special discounts and assistance programs to support SNAP users affected by the shutdown.
Here’s the list of retailers stepping up:
- Instacart – Offering 50% off the next grocery order for SNAP customers and pledging $5 million to food banks across the U.S.
- DoorDash – Waiving delivery fees for approximately 300,000 SNAP orders throughout November 2025, in partnership with Sprouts, Dollar General, Stop & Shop, and Winn-Dixie.
- Sprouts Farmers Market – Collaborating with DoorDash to ensure access to affordable groceries for SNAP users.
- Dollar General – Participating in waived-fee deliveries through DoorDash partnerships.
- Stop & Shop – Extending discounts and delivery fee waivers for eligible SNAP recipients.
- Winn-Dixie – Working with DoorDash to make essential food items more accessible to low-income households.
- Gopuff – Providing $50 in free groceries for qualifying customers using SNAP benefits.
- Zip Co. – Offering no-fee payment plans for a limited time to help SNAP recipients manage grocery costs during the benefit pause.
Instacart Leads with Expanded Food Bank Support
Instacart was among the first to announce relief efforts. The company said it would not only discount grocery orders but also donate $5 million to food banks to help combat hunger.
“As SNAP funding faces unprecedented disruption and food banks brace for longer lines, we’re focused on helping families stretch their grocery dollars and helping food banks stock up,” said Dani Dudeck, Instacart’s Chief Corporate Affairs Officer.
Since 2020, Instacart has accepted online SNAP payments and continues to provide discounted memberships and free delivery on orders over $35.
SNAP Payment Outlook: What Happens Next?
At the federal level, SNAP payments for November have been suspended amid the shutdown. However, several states are working to identify emergency solutions to prevent a complete halt in food assistance.
A federal judge in Rhode Island recently ordered that SNAP must continue using emergency funds, requiring an update by Monday. Restoring funds could take one to two weeks, though the order may face an appeal from federal agencies.
How Many People Are Impacted?
Approximately 42 million Americans, including millions of children, depend on SNAP to afford groceries every month. Experts warn that if the freeze continues, it could lead to severe food insecurity and longer lines at local food pantries.
The ongoing crisis has reignited debate about bail reform-style loopholes in government programs and federal accountability during shutdowns. Many citizens have praised retailers for taking swift action, while advocacy groups continue to call for stable government funding to protect essential food programs like SNAP.
Should private companies be expected to step in when federal programs are disrupted? Or should the government guarantee uninterrupted SNAP support? Share your thoughts and opinions in the comments — your voice matters in shaping America’s response to hunger and food insecurity.
