PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY) – DoorDash announced it is launching a nationwide emergency food response, with the federal government shutdown impacting food aid.
The company plans on delivering one million free meals through food banks. It is also waiving delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 SNAP recipient grocery orders.
The government shutdown is expected to halt the SNAP benefits of more than 40 million Americans. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) posted on its website Friday:
“Senate Democrats have now voted 12 times to not fund the food stamp program, also known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”
USDA alert posted on its website
Food banks are feeling the overwhelming demand.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin declared a state of emergency on Oct. 23, which allows the use of emergency funds “to protect the health, welfare and safety of Virginians,” the order reads.
A DoorDash news release states, “This is a food emergency unfolding in real time. Fighting hunger has always been core to DoorDash’s mission to grow and empower local economies. Through Project DASH, our effort to power delivery on behalf of food banks and pantries, we work with over 300 partners nationwide and have powered 8 million deliveries — equivalent to 135 million meals. Our partners have told us: they need help now.”
The DoorDash Emergency Food Response includes the following:
- Delivering 1 million meals for 300+ Project DASH partners nationwide
- Waiving delivery and service fees for 300,000 grocery orders for SNAP recipients
- Donating food and essentials to local food banks
Participating grocery partners will cover the delivery and service fees for SNAP recipient orders in November. This benefit is for customers who have linked a SNAP/EBT card to their DoorDash profile. They can shop on DoorDash at Sprouts, Dollar General, Schnucks, Ahold Delhaize brands, Hy-Vee, Giant Eagle, and Wegmans and have their delivery and service fees waived on one order. This offer is currently available from Nov. 1, 2025, through Nov. 30, 2025. Click here for full terms and conditions.
10 On Your Side is also working to help the local community members who face the risk of hunger as federal funds run out. WAVY TV is hosting a Feeding Hampton Roads food collection event to benefit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore. The drive is taking place on Thursday, Oct. 30, 2025, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at the Pembroke Square parking lot between Kohl’s and Walgreens, in Virginia Beach. If you can’t make it in-person, but would like to donate, please click here for more information.
