DoorDash, Gopuff Waive Fees for SNAP Recipients Amid Government Shutdown Concerns
WASHINGTON – As the potential for a prolonged government shutdown looms, DoorDash and Gopuff are stepping up to ease the burden on millions of SNAP (supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) recipients, announcing the waiver of delivery fees and offering free groceries, respectively. These moves come as concerns mount over disruptions to food assistance programs and the broader economic impact of the congressional impasse.
The actions by these grocery delivery services aim to mitigate potential hardship for vulnerable populations who rely on SNAP benefits,particularly as the shutdown threatens access to vital services. Research from PYMNTS Intelligence indicates that consumers facing financial difficulties are increasingly turning to online grocery shopping, with 10.4% of those living paycheck to paycheck with bill payment issues exclusively purchasing groceries online – a higher rate than the 7.2% average for all consumers, according to the report “Changes in Grocery Shopping Habits and Perceptions.”
DoorDash announced last week it will waive delivery fees for SNAP recipients throughout November. Gopuff similarly said it will offer $50 in free groceries to SNAP recipients during the same period.
The ongoing government shutdown is also impacting businesses across the country. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce estimates the impasse is costing small business contractors $3 billion a week, jeopardizing earnings for 65,500 firms. ”The Chamber is again calling on Congress to promptly pass the continuing resolution to reopen and fund the government,” stated Neil Bradley, executive vice president, chief policy officer, and head of strategic advocacy at the U.S.Chamber of Commerce, in a letter to lawmakers. “We also urge congress to consider ways to help make federal contractors, especially small business contractors, whole.”