DoorDash is stepping in to feed hungry Americans as the federal government shutdown threatens to halt food stamp payments for more than 40 million people starting next week.
The delivery giant announced on Sunday that it will distribute 1 million free meals and waive delivery fees for 300,000 grocery orders placed by recipients of the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, as part of an “Emergency Food Response” campaign set to run through November.
The effort comes as state officials warn that food stamp funding could dry up by Nov. 1, leaving tens of millions without benefits and food banks overwhelmed by demand.
The company said it will partner with more than 300 food banks and pantries across the country through its Project DASH network to deliver free meals and supplies in every state.
DoorDash will also waive delivery and service fees for grocery orders made by SNAP customers at participating retailers including Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Hy-Vee, Wegmans, Giant Eagle and Ahold Delhaize brands.
Max Rettig, DoorDash’s vice president and global head of public policy, said the company is taking action as the crisis escalates.
“No one should go hungry in America – period,” Rettig said in a statement.
“Millions of families are worried right now about how they’ll put food on the table. Fighting hunger is core to our mission at DoorDash, and we’re stepping up alongside leading grocers and retailers to help bridge the gap. We know this is a stopgap, not a solution. But doing nothing simply isn’t an option.”
DoorDash said it will also donate food and household goods from its DashMart locations to local pantries in hard-hit areas, with deliveries coordinated through nonprofit partners.
The move comes as the monthlong government shutdown threatens the continuity of SNAP payments, a federal lifeline that helps 42 million low-income Americans buy groceries each month.
The Department of Agriculture warned earlier this month that funding for November benefits would not be available if Congress fails to reach a budget deal.
States including New York, Pennsylvania, Texas and California have already notified SNAP recipients that their benefits could be disrupted starting next weekend.
The White House and Congress remain deadlocked over Democratic demands for new healthcare spending, with both sides trading blame as agencies begin to run out of money.
The shutdown has already delayed paychecks for more than 1.4 million federal employees and frozen dozens of federal programs.
Food banks say they are already under strain.
In Boston, the Greater Boston Food Bank estimated a potential loss of 56 million meals next month if SNAP funds lapse. Other food charities across the Midwest and South report surging lines and dwindling stock.
“The food security of millions of people who rely on SNAP is at dire risk,” said Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger, which is partnering with DoorDash.
