With a federal government shutdown looming large, DoorDash recently announced a sweeping emergency food response to combat the impending cutoff of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
Starting November 1, SNAP payments will be suspended nationwide, affecting over 40 million Americans and putting immense pressure on local food systems already stretched thin.
Door Dash Steps Up for SNAP Beneficiaries
Here at home, the government shutdown could leave nearly 1.4 million Georgians — including thousands in metro Atlanta — scrambling for their next meal.
DoorDash’s response, dubbed the Emergency Food Response, aims to deliver immediate relief through a multi-pronged effort tailored to communities like Atlanta.
The company plans to waive merchant fees for over 300 Project DASH partners nationwide, including Atlanta-area food banks and pantries, enabling the free delivery of an estimated 1 million meals in November alone.
Locally, this builds on longstanding collaborations, such as the City of Atlanta’s 2022 partnership with DoorDash to expand food access via Project DASH, which has since powered millions of deliveries equivalent to 135 million meals across the U.S. 4
In a direct boon for Atlanta SNAP users, DoorDash is partnering with major grocers to cover delivery and service fees on up to 300,000 orders nationwide.
Eligible customers in the Peach State — those with a linked SNAP/EBT card — can shop fee-free at stores like Dollar General (with dozens of locations across metro Atlanta), Sprouts Farmers Market (including spots in Alpharetta and Sandy Springs), and the expanding Wegmans in the North Druid Hills area.
The promo, valid from November 1 through 30, requires a simple code and applies to one order per person, helping families stretch whatever benefits remain on their EBT cards before the full freeze hits. 0
Additionally, DoorDash will donate fresh produce, shelf-stable goods, and essentials from its DashMart warehouses directly to local food banks, targeting high-need Atlanta neighborhoods like those served by the Atlanta Community Food Bank and Feeding America partners.
“No one should go hungry in America — period,” said Max Rettig, DoorDash’s Vice President and Global Head of Public Policy. “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.”
Eric Mitchell, President of the Alliance to End Hunger, echoed the urgency: “The food security of millions of people who rely on SNAP is at dire risk. We know that the only viable solution is to ensure SNAP benefits are being delivered in full to those in need of food assistance as soon as possible. We are thankful for the part that companies and organizations across the country like DoorDash can do to try to fill the gap.”
While the initiative offers a critical buffer, experts warn it’s no substitute for federal action. Atlanta’s SNAP households can still redeem pre-November benefits at authorized retailers until funds run dry, but advocates are urging Congress to restore funding swiftly. 11 DoorDash is calling on Atlantans to join the fight: Donate to the Feeding America network or volunteer at local pantries like the Atlanta Community Food Bank.
Final Word
In Georgia alone, more than 687,000 households relied on SNAP last month, with over $272 million in benefits issued to help families afford groceries.
For Atlanta’s working families, seniors, and children — who make up a significant portion of the state’s recipients — the funding cliff represents a dire threat.
For those interested in partnering with Project DASH, reach out to [email protected]. SNAP users can link their EBT cards in the DoorDash app now to prepare — full terms available at help.doordash.com.
As the shutdown drags on, Atlanta’s resilience will be tested, but efforts like DoorDash’s highlight a community unwilling to let hunger win. Stay tuned for updates on local impacts and how you can help.
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