November SNAP benefits are on hold but grocers, apps are filling food gap

"Instacart said Friday it is offering 50% off grocery orders (up to $50) for active SNAP users, and expanding its Community Carts campaign to more than 300 food banks, part of a $5 million direct relief effort. DoorDash launched an Emergency Food Response, delivering 1 million free meals through food banks and waiving fees on 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients at select stores with code SNAPDD. The company said Friday 25 grocery partners have joined the effort, and it is also donating food from its DashMart locations."

"Gopuff is donating up to $10 million in free groceries, offering two $25 credits for SNAP customers with free 15-minute delivery starting Nov. 1 with code SNAPRELIEF. Albertsons is fast-tracking $13 million in holiday gift cards to community food banks through its Nourishing Neighbors program, while H-E-B gave $5 million to Texas food banks plus $1 million for Meals on Wheels programs statewide."

"The Partnership for a Healthier America, with Instacart and the American Frozen Food Institute, is expanding a pilot that gives families $80 monthly credits to buy frozen and fresh fruits and vegetables. Flashfood, an app selling discounted groceries, says downloads are up 8x this week as SNAP recipients search for deals. Amazon says it's delivered more than 60 million meals from food banks and will keep providing free delivery for partners through 2028."

Retailers, delivery platforms, and nonprofits are launching relief initiatives to ensure food access for low-income households and food banks. Instacart, DoorDash and Gopuff are offering discounts, waived fees, delivery credits, free meals, and multimillion-dollar donations targeted to SNAP users and community food programs. Grocery chains including Albertsons and H-E-B are directing millions in gift cards and grants to local food banks and Meals on Wheels. The Farmlink Project pledged to move millions of pounds of produce to food banks by Thanksgiving. A pilot program expands $80 monthly credits for frozen and fresh produce to families in need.

Read at Axios