Millions Used SNAP Benefits on DoorDash Since 2023
The platform allows SNAP recipients to purchase groceries for delivery to help manage budgets and improve access.
Updated on Sept. 28, 2026 in Healthy Food
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Since DoorDash began accepting SNAP EBT cards in 2023, 4.5 million beneficiaries have linked their cards to the delivery platform. The initiative serves to support the 36.35 million people who relied on SNAP benefits nationwide as of June 2026.
Why it matters
Many SNAP recipients face significant barriers to accessing fresh groceries, including food deserts, disability, chronic illness, and transportation challenges. Using delivery services can help these individuals better manage their food budgets and address these systemic obstacles to healthy eating.
A survey of 1,000 customers found that 83 percent maintained their food budget and 70 percent made positive eating habit changes while using SNAP benefits on DoorDash. These results reflect the experiences of a segment of the 36.35 million SNAP recipients recorded as of June 2026.
The players
DoorDash
A food delivery platform that provides technology for ordering and transporting groceries and meals.
Wegmans
A grocery retailer that partners with delivery platforms to offer food access to customers.
Wawa
A convenience and food retailer that participates in grocery delivery and SNAP acceptance programs.
The details
To utilize these benefits, SNAP recipients add their EBT cards to their DoorDash account profiles. Once linked, they can place grocery orders through the app at participating merchants, such as Wegmans and Wawa. This integration helps address the 88 percent of recipients who report facing barriers to obtaining a healthy diet.
Timeline
2023: DoorDash began accepting SNAP EBT cards.
June 2025: 41.68 million people received SNAP benefits nationwide.
May 2026: 36.69 million people received SNAP benefits nationwide.
June 2026: 36.35 million people received SNAP benefits nationwide.
Health Landscape
The integration of private delivery platforms into the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program reflects a significant effort to modernize access to federal food benefits. This shift addresses the historical difficulty of navigating food deserts and transportation limitations for those relying on public aid.
If you are a SNAP recipient, check if your local preferred grocery store participates in the program through the DoorDash platform. This option may be particularly helpful for managing healthy eating habits if you struggle with transportation, mobility issues, or balancing caregiving duties.
The takeaway
Using technology to streamline grocery access can be a vital tool for those overcoming physical or logistical hurdles to healthy eating. Discuss with your physician or a registered dietitian how to identify healthy, budget-friendly pantry staples to order when using these digital resources.
Further reading
For more information on navigating nutrition assistance and finding fresh ingredients, visit our Healthy Food section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Syracuse.
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