As the U.S. government shutdown halts Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits starting Nov. 1, on-demand delivery platform Gopuff is stepping in to provide immediate food relief. The company announced on Oct. 27, 2025, that it will offer $50 in free groceries to SNAP recipients during November through a nationwide initiative worth up to $10 million.
The program is designed to help low-income families, seniors, and individuals with disabilities who will temporarily lose access to essential food aid due to the budget impasse that has frozen USDA funding.
Introduction to the Relief Program
A banner posted Monday on the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food and Nutrition Service website confirmed that funding for SNAP had officially run out, stating:
“Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 1.”
In response, Gopuff said it aims to ensure SNAP households don’t face an immediate food crisis. The company’s delivery network — which covers over 1,200 U.S. cities — will distribute groceries, household staples, and baby products within 15–20 minutes of ordering, at no additional cost to qualifying users.
“This national relief effort is designed to provide quick, seamless access to groceries for families who will suddenly lose essential food aid,” a Gopuff spokesperson said.
Key Features / Overview
| Program Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Relief Provider | Gopuff |
| Benefit Amount | $50 total ($25 in two phases) |
| Eligibility | SNAP recipients with EBT cards linked to Gopuff accounts |
| Program Duration | Nov. 1–30, 2025 |
| Coupon Limit | 200,000 per period (first-come, first-served) |
| Delivery | Free delivery for all qualifying orders |
| Program Funding | $10 million national commitment |
| Delivery Time | As fast as 15 minutes |
| Purpose | To support SNAP households during benefit suspension |
Eligibility Rules
To qualify for Gopuff’s free grocery program, customers must:
- Have an active SNAP EBT card.
- Add or link their EBT card to their Gopuff account before checkout.
- Place an order with SNAP-eligible items between the defined timeframes.
- Redeem offers during either of the two redemption windows — subject to availability before coupon limits are reached.
No additional registration or government verification is required beyond linking an EBT card to the Gopuff platform.
Payment and Redemption Details
Gopuff’s relief offer is structured in two $25 grocery credits, distributed across two halves of November:
| Period | Offer Details | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Nov. 1 – Nov. 15, 2025 | $25 off SNAP-eligible groceries + free delivery | Ends early if 200,000 coupons are redeemed |
| Nov. 16 – Nov. 30, 2025 | Additional $25 off SNAP-eligible groceries + free delivery | Ends early if 200,000 coupons are redeemed |
Customers will see the discount automatically applied at checkout once their EBT card is linked. Free delivery applies to all eligible transactions.
Broader Context: The SNAP Shutdown Impact
The temporary halt in SNAP benefits has caused deep concern across low-income communities and social service organizations. Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP each month, including families, seniors, and people with disabilities.
“This is not just a fiscal issue — it’s a food security emergency,” said Dr. Megan Howard, a public policy analyst at the Urban Institute. “When benefits stop, millions of households lose access to the most basic form of nutrition support overnight.”
Data from the PYMNTS Intelligence Report “Changes in Grocery Shopping Habits and Perceptions” shows that 10.4% of consumers living paycheck to paycheck with difficulty paying bills rely exclusively on online grocery shopping — a trend that Gopuff’s rapid-delivery model can directly support during this shutdown.
Comparison / Extra Insights
| Program | Provider | Target Group | Relief Type | Max Value | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gopuff Relief Offer | Gopuff | SNAP recipients | Free groceries + delivery | $50 | Nov. 1–30, 2025 |
| Feeding America Emergency Response | Nonprofit network | Low-income households | Food bank distributions | Varies | Ongoing |
| DoorDash Impact Program | DoorDash | Low-income residents in select states | Discounted food delivery | $30–$50 | Regional |
| Instacart SNAP Partnership | Instacart | SNAP households | EBT online grocery payments | Based on order | Permanent |
Gopuff’s relief fund stands out for being nationwide, immediate, and fully digital, reducing the logistical barriers typically seen in emergency aid programs.
Recent Updates
- October 27, 2025: Gopuff announces the $10 million national relief fund.
- November 1, 2025: SNAP funding officially pauses; Gopuff activates grocery relief.
- November 16, 2025: Second round of $25 grocery credits begins.
- December 2025: Gopuff to evaluate relief impact and determine if continuation is needed.
“During the first half of 2025, we saw that 17% of Gopuff’s SNAP deliveries went to food desert areas,” said Ofek Lavian, CEO of Forage, a SNAP payment processor. “That coverage becomes even more critical when federal benefits are disrupted.”
Why It Matters?
The Gopuff initiative underscores how private companies are filling emergency gaps in social aid during government shutdowns. With SNAP funding halted, many households would otherwise face immediate food insecurity.
“This effort is a powerful example of how the private sector can complement federal aid during crises,” said Alex Mendez, an economist specializing in food access policy. “By leveraging digital infrastructure and fast delivery, Gopuff is mitigating the effects of a government failure.”
The shutdown-driven halt of SNAP payments also reignites debates around automated funding continuity, suggesting that essential benefit programs need independent emergency reserves to prevent future disruptions.
FAQs
Who qualifies for the Gopuff $50 grocery relief?
Any SNAP recipient with a valid EBT card linked to a Gopuff account can receive up to $50 in grocery credits during November 2025.
How do I claim the offer?
Link your EBT card in the Gopuff app, add SNAP-eligible groceries, and place an order between Nov. 1–15 and/or Nov. 16–30.
Is delivery free for SNAP users?
Yes. Gopuff offers free delivery along with the $25 grocery discount in each relief window.
Can I use both $25 offers?
Yes, you can claim both discounts — one during each half of November — for a total of $50.
When will the offer end?
The offer ends either on Nov. 30 or when 200,000 coupons have been redeemed per period, whichever comes first.
What types of items qualify?
Only items classified as SNAP-eligible (food, beverages, and essentials) qualify for the discount. Alcohol, tobacco, and non-food items are excluded.
I am so glad 🙏🏽 that someone willing to step to help us SNAP benefits people to have food to eat for not going hungry. Thank you so much and may God bless you all.