DoorDash will now allow users of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to purchase select grocery items on its app — a move which impacts multiple grocers who offer delivery via the delivery service.
Grocery partners, which include Aldi, Albertsons, Safeway, and Meijer, will now accept SNAP/EBT payments via DoorDash. SNAP recipients will have the same access as DashPass members, which includes free delivery on eligible orders that meet minimum subtotals. The shift in strategy will provide SNAP access to more than 4,000 grocery and convenience stores.
“The rise of on-demand grocery delivery has had a transformational impact on food access. This is especially true for vulnerable populations, including seniors, people living in food deserts, and those facing disability or transportation barriers,” said Fuad Hannon, vice president of New Verticals at DoorDash. “Enabling SNAP/EBT payments can make a profound impact on reducing food insecurity and connecting people to groceries and the essential items they need.”
The DoorDash SNAP extension additionally helps a group of shoppers who have been negatively impacted by legislative moves over the last few months. Back in February, SNAP dollars instituted during the COVID-19 pandemic were pulled, and the recent debt-ceiling measure added new requirements for those aged 50-54.
Earlier in the year, DoorDash competitor Instacart announced a special extension of its Instacart+ membership for SNAP recipients as COVID-19 benefits were set to expire. Instacart also launched a public awareness campaign to help drive donations to food banks in nearly every state where SNAP benefits were expiring.
