The U.S. Department of Agriculture confirmed that no SNAP benefits will be issued on November 1, 2025, leaving approximately 42 million beneficiaries uncertain about how they’ll pay for groceries. As the federal government shutdown continues, families across America are facing an unprecedented disruption to food assistance that has never occurred in the program’s 60-year history.

In response to this crisis, DoorDash has launched an “emergency food response” to help bridge the gap for families facing immediate food insecurity.

The Current Situation

While SNAP benefits will not disbursed as scheduled in November, program recipients can still use existing funds on their EBT cards to make purchases. Any SNAP funds unspent from October or previous months roll over into November, and benefits do not expire for an entire calendar year.

However, many SNAP recipients spend all of their benefits at once, or in the month they’re issued, meaning most families have little to no remaining balance to carry them through November.

Social service experts expect the USDA to pay delayed November benefits retroactively once federal funding resumes, but the timing remains uncertain as the shutdown continues.

DoorDash’s Response

DoorDash’s response includes three initiatives running throughout November 2025:

1. Delivering 1 Million Free Meals Through Food Banks

DoorDash is waiving merchant fees for all 300+ Project DASH partner food banks, food pantries, and community organizations nationwide throughout November. This support equals an estimated 1 million meals delivered at no cost to these organizations.

2. Waiving Fees for 300,000 SNAP Grocery Orders

DoorDash has partnered with major grocery retailers to cover delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for SNAP recipients in November.

Eligible stores include:

• Sprouts
• Dollar General
• Schnucks
• Food Lion
• Giant Foods
• The GIANT Company
• Hannaford
• Stop & Shop
• Hy-Vee
• Giant Eagle
• Wegmans

3. Donating Food and Essentials

DoorDash will donate fresh food, shelf-stable items, and household essentials from DashMart locations to local food banks in affected communities.

How SNAP Recipients Can Access Free Delivery

If you currently receive SNAP benefits and have linked your SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account, you can receive one free delivery during November 2025.

Follow these steps:

1. Ensure you’ve added a valid SNAP/EBT card to your DoorDash account before placing your order
2. Shop at any eligible store listed above through the DoorDash app
3. Use promo code SNAPDD at checkout
4. Your delivery fee and service fees will be waived for one order

Important details:

• Offer valid from November 1, 2025 through November 30, 2025
• Limit one free delivery per person
• Not valid for orders containing alcohol
• Other fees may still apply, including regulatory response fees in select locations
• Government-required fees and taxes still apply

Click here for complete terms and conditions.

How You Can Help

Support Your Local Food Bank

Food banks are experiencing unprecedented demand as families prepare for the loss of November benefits.

• Find your local food bank: Visit the Feeding America food bank locator
• Donate to the national network: Support Feeding America directly

Volunteer Your Time

Food banks urgently need volunteers to sort donations, pack boxes, and support distribution efforts. Contact your local food bank to learn about immediate volunteer opportunities.

Share This Information

Many SNAP recipients may not know about available resources. Share information about:

• The DoorDash fee waiver and promo code SNAPDD
• Local food bank locations and hours
• State-specific assistance programs

The federal government’s role in providing SNAP benefits remains irreplaceable, but community response matters now more than ever as millions of families navigate this unprecedented crisis.

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