Survey highlights impact of food delivery on SNAP recipients

DoorDash recently released findings examining how online grocery is making a big difference for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients in the US

According to a Opinion poll Of the more than 2,400 SNAP recipients, 78 percent prefer to use their benefits for grocery delivery rather than in-store shopping. The main reasons include transportation difficulties (45 percent), busy work schedules (40 percent) and caring responsibilities (34 percent). In particular, one in eight respondents said they would skip grocery shopping altogether if they didn't have the option of delivery.

The survey also highlights the convenience of online grocery shopping: 93 percent of respondents appreciate the time it saves on other activities. And food delivery appears to reduce the stigma associated with using SNAP benefits. While 61 percent of participants had concerns about using their benefits in-store, 81 percent said this grocery store The delivery made them feel more comfortable.

“Because of my disability, I don’t drive a car And Public transport in my city is a challenge,” said one consumer. “I also got sick recently And my normal trip to the grocery store The often requires a lot of coordination, energy and time receive Delayed.” Plus, this system has made life a lot easier with DoorDash.

DoorDash is now expanding its SNAP/EBT payment options with new merchants. The includes the addition of Cub, DashMart, Food Maxx, Giant Eagle and Save Mart stores and the addition of over 15,000 existing stores.

Since launching SNAP payments a year ago, more than 1.8 million users have linked their SNAP/EBT cards to their DoorDash accounts.

Earlier this year, Uber Eats also announced that users would be able to use SNAP/EBT to order food through its app. The company also works with its largest U.S. grocery partner, Alberstons Companies, to transport food waste from its stores to food banks and nonprofit organizations.

“Creating more opportunities for people using SNAP to access the food they need will break down barriers for thousands of people every day,” said Eric Mitchell, president of the Alliance to End Hunger. “DoorDash’s research confirms what we’ve always known: that solutions like delivery reduce hunger, increase access and eliminate stigma.”