Single mother grapples with loss of SNAP benefits
The single mother is working full time, watching over her two daughters at a shelter, and trying to balance the suspension of her SNAP benefits.
- Federal judges have ruled that the Trump administration cannot cut off food assistance to millions of Americans during the government shutdown.
- Despite the ruling, community groups and businesses are rallying to support the 42 million people who were expected to lose their SNAP benefits.
- Several companies, including Instacart, Gopuff, and DoorDash, offer discounts and fee waivers to SNAP recipients.
- Various apps and websites, such as FoodFinder and Feeding America, help connect people with local food banks and resources.
President Donald Trump’s administration cannot cut off food assistance to millions of Americans during the ongoing government shutdown, two federal judges ruled Friday, ruling that the government must use $5.25 billion in remaining reserve funds as soon as possible.
Despite the 11th-hour ruling, thousands of community organizations, businesses, and food banks across the country are rallying to help the approximately 42 million people who are expected to lose access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP or food stamps, starting Saturday, Nov. 1.
While the courts, Congress, and White House decide how to proceed, here’s where you can find resources and, if possible, help.
Donation destination
Anyone interested in donating to those in need should be sure to contact their local food bank to see what they need. There are also several online resources for fundraising for food banks and SNAP recipients.
- Through Instacart’s Community Carts program, you can donate directly to your local food bank by selecting a facility and selecting the items you want to send. Click here to donate.
- Propel is an app that many SNAP recipients use to manage their benefits and fundraise through GiveDirectly. Funds will be distributed directly to families through the Propel app. Click here to donate.
- Feeding America works with food banks across the country. Click here to donate.
Other fundraisers may be circulating on social media, but be sure to check the platform and make sure it’s legitimate before donating. The Federal Trade Commission provides information on how to donate safely, and websites like Charity Watch and the BBB Wise Giving Alliance provide detailed guidance on specific charities.
Grocery and Retail Store Deals for SNAP Recipients
Instacart: 50% off groceries.
SNAP recipients can get 50% off (up to $50 off) when they order one grocery item with Instacart.
Instacart said in an Oct. 31 press release that Instacart customers who receive grocery delivery using their EBT SNAP benefit at any point during October will receive a personal discount code via email to redeem the offer within the next few days.
This offer can be redeemed at Instacart stores nationwide that accept SNAP payments.
GoPuff: $50 off groceries.
SNAP recipients can get $50 off on groceries through the delivery company Gopuff. This deal will be available in two parts during November, each costing $25 to use on SNAP eligible items.
Here’s how to access your Gopuff discount:
- Add your SNAP EBT card to your Gopuff account.
- Add SNAP-eligible groceries to your cart.
- November 1st – November 15th: Use code SNAPRELIEF1 at checkout to get $25 off SNAP eligible items and free shipping.
- Nov. 16-30: Use code SNAPRELIEF2 at checkout to get $25 off SNAP eligible items and free shipping.
DoorDash: Shipping fees are waived
The company announced in November that SNAP recipients can use DoorDash on a single order without paying additional shipping or service fees.
To access this deal, customers must have a SNAP/EBT card linked to their DoorDash profile. You will then be able to access the deal when ordering at participating stores by using the promo code “SNAPDD” at checkout. See the complete list of eligible stores.
Bobby: Discount on milk powder
Baby formula company Bobby is offering SNAP recipients a discount on one of its flagship products.
SNAP eligible customers can purchase one can of Bobby’s Organic Infant Formula for $14 + $3.50 shipping, or three cans for $42 + $8.50 shipping. A can of this formula typically sells for $24.99 at Target and $28 + $7.50 shipping on Bobby’s website.
To take advantage of this benefit, customers must upload their SNAP eligibility letter before checking out online. Not available for purchase with EBT. Also, this offer is only available to new Bobbie customers.
Website, App, Social Media
food finder
FoodFinder is a free app that helps food insecure people find local free food resources. Once you’ve determined your location, we’ll automatically show you a list of nearby options, including addresses and directions.
FoodFinder can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. Users can pick up their products through the app and schedule a pick-up time for their desired products.
Plenty
Plentiful is a free app that can be downloaded from the App Store and Google Play Store. It focuses on providing local resources to people facing food insecurity and connecting them with partner resources, agencies, and food banks in the area.
Once you download the app, you can search by program type, location, amenities, language, service hours, and more to find free dining options near you. You can pre-register, make reservations on demand, and receive the latest information on grocery stores near you.
feed america
Don’t have a smartphone? Visit Feeding America (feedingamerica.org/need-help-find-food) to find resources in your web browser. The website provides information about food access for people in a variety of situations and connects users to local food banks that can direct them to local food pantries, soup kitchens, and meal programs.
next
Nextdoor is a social media app that allows people in the same neighborhood to connect. This allows neighbors to directly discuss what’s going on around their homes, and is often used by people seeking specific services, items, or resources.
Available for download from the Apple App Store and Google Play Store.
Local Garage Sale, Buy Nothing and Other Facebook Groups
Looking for something specific in a specific location? There’s definitely a Facebook group for that.
Community groups and pages on Facebook come in all shapes and sizes, but some of the most common are “buy nothing” groups, garage sales, and buy and sell groups, usually organized by county or town.
On a normal day, these pages are filled with people buying, selling, bartering, and giving away everything from leftover baby formula and diapers to freshly prepared food. Communities across the country have rallied around their own in recent weeks due to the looming threat to food assistance programs, and these groups are filled with posts offering person-to-person community assistance along with larger resources, such as information about schools and churches with food programs.
Contributors: USA TODAY’s Zach Anderson, Joey Garrison, Bert Jansen, Rebecca Morin and Zachary Shermel. Reuters
