As grocery prices keep climbing, millions of Americans are just days away from losing access to their SNAP benefits. The current federal government shutdown has halted funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). President Trump’s administration confirmed last week that SNAP recipients would not be receiving their benefits on November 1. There is no telling when this will change. With so many families already struggling (SNAP benefits barely covering half of their food expenses anyway), people have been scrambling to figure out how they will scrape by.
Luckily, some companies have stepped up to help out. Here is what you need to know about SNAP benefits and where you can receive help during this time.
Is There Any Chance SNAP Benefits Will Be Reinstated?
In short, no. Until the government shutdown is over, SNAP benefits will be suspended. The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) issued a statement. It read, “Bottom line, the well has run dry. At this time, there will be no benefits issued November 01.”
Throughout the U.S., almost 42 million people receive SNAP benefits. More than 62% of the households receiving benefits have children, and 37% include older adults or people with disabilities. Additionally, 38% of the recipients are working families. Forty-two million Americans are biting their nails, trying to figure out how they’ll feed themselves and their families next month.
That said, some states have decided to continue SNAP benefits, despite the loss of USDA funding. The states that have said they will provide some assistance for SNAP recipients during the shutdown include Virginia, New Hampshire, New York, Louisiana, Minnesota, Colorado, New Mexico, and California.
Virginia Governor Glenn Youngkin said, “The Democrat Shutdown will cause SNAP benefits to run out for over 850,000 Virginians in need starting November 1, 2025. I refuse to let hungry Virginians be used as ‘leverage’ by Congressional Democrats. I am declaring a State of Emergency due to the Democrat Shutdown to protect hungry Virginians in need.”
Shifting blame to the Republican party, New York Governor Kathy Hochul said, “I am doing everything in my power to soften the blow of the destruction Republicans in Washington are inflicting on our state. While I’ve said repeatedly that no state can backfill these devastating cuts, I am committed to ensuring New Yorkers do not go hungry this holiday season.”
Politics aside, there are several companies that are chipping in to help lighten the burden on families in need. Here is a breakdown of what is being offered.
1. DoorDash
DoorDash announced on Sunday that it would deliver 1 million free meals and waive all delivery fees for 300,000 grocery orders placed by SNAP recipients through its “Emergency Food Response.” The company is partnering with 300 food banks across the nation and will deliver groceries and pantry staples directly to households facing food insecurity.
Since 2022, DoorDash has completed more than 6 million no-cost food deliveries nationwide—and the new emergency response aims to accelerate that pace in November 2025. By leveraging its massive logistics network, DoorDash is helping ensure no family goes hungry when federal assistance slows down.
“No one should go hungry in America—period,” said Max Rettig, vice president and global head of public policy at DoorDash. “We know this is a stopgap, not a solution. But doing nothing simply isn’t an option.”
3. Kroger
Kroger launched its Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative, which includes SNAP-eligible digital coupons and partnerships with local food banks. The company donates millions in fresh produce annually and funds refrigerated trucks for mobile food distribution. For SNAP users, Kroger’s loyalty app offers extra discounts on staple items like milk, bread, and produce. It’s an integrated model that supports both affordability and community sustainability.
4. Feeding America’s Retail Donation Network
Feeding America partners with dozens of grocery chains to redirect unsold but still safe food to local food pantries. SNAP households benefit indirectly when those pantries receive fresh produce and proteins that supplement their limited benefits. The organization’s logistics model now moves over 4 billion pounds of food annually from stores to communities. It’s one of the largest corporate-charity collaborations tackling hunger in real time.
5. Chicken Salad Chick
A Chicken Salad Chick location in Louisiana announced on Tuesday that it will be offering free meals for children at all locations. No purchase is necessary and “no questions asked.” This will continue until SNAP benefits are restored. “We do not intend to take sides or make this offer political,” the company wrote in a post on Instagram. “We simply believe that no child should go hungry.” The offer is limited to one kid’s meal per child, for dine-in only.
6. Tony & Alba’s Pizza
Tony & Alba’s in San Jose, California, also shared a post on Instagram that children 15 and under will receive a free meal (dine-in or to-go) until SNAP is funded. No purchase is necessary for this. The meal includes pizza or penne pasta with meat sauce or marinara. It comes with carrots, fruit, and a drink. You’ll just need to show your SNAP card. Parents will also get a discount on their meal.
This kick-started other restaurants in California to offer similar help. Those joining in include:
Shrimp’N Ain’t Eazy food truckMonster PhoUnderstoryPuerto Rico Street CuisineAl Pastor PapiRust LadleOG Tacos
Call ahead to verify that the location nearest to you is participating in this.
7. Other Local Restaurants Chipping In
New Mexico has several restaurants offering free meals to kids and seniors. Burrito Baby, Tacos Pita, The Hopper Pub & Pizzeria, Yin Yang Chinese Restaurant, and others have announced that they will start this in November. Dates may vary by restaurant, and you may want to call ahead to verify the details of what is needed to access the freebie.
Outside of that, there are many local restaurants chipping in as well. Keep an eye on Facebook and other social media channels. As November approaches, more places will likely be sharing their efforts to help families with food insecurity as we enter the holiday season.
Other Resources for Those in Need
There are a number of other resources you can tap into if you are in need as well. Anyone looking for help with food due to the SNAP benefits being cut can look in the following places.
Local food banks: Food banks are preparing for high traffic in November. They will be a lifeline for many families.Food pantries: Food pantries are also scrambling to prepare for a higher influx of people needing help.Churches: Local churches are a good place to look for help. Many of them have food pantries and other resources they might be able to share with those in need.Crisis assistance ministries: Look for crisis assistance ministries in your area. They can help with food and finances when you are in need.Local nonprofit organizations: Other local nonprofits may be getting together to help those in need in light of the SNAP benefits cuts. Keep an eye out in your area.Facebook groups: Facebook and other social media channels are a good place to look. Many “buy nothing” groups have already started offering leftover/still-in-date food that people are giving away.“Pay what you can” stands: Some people have “pay what you can” stands for some grocery staples that they have grown on their own. This might include fruit, vegetables, farm-fresh eggs, bread, milk, and other items.
What You Can Do to Help
If you are looking for a way to help people out, there are a number of things you can do. First and foremost, you can donate food to your local food bank or food pantry. Canned meats, vegetables, pasta, rice, and other nonperishable items are best. That said, it’s a good idea to be mindful of what you are donating. For instance, food banks are frequently given peanut butter and jelly, but they aren’t receiving many donations of bread. Pasta is great, but only if there’s sauce. You should also avoid donating things that need to be refrigerated, expired foods, leftovers, foods with damaged packaging, and baked goods.
Outside of donating food (or money), you can also volunteer. Because so many people are going to be in need of help, food banks and other organizations are going to need more feet on the ground.
While these resources don’t necessarily take the stress away from these families, they can help in times of need.
Do you know of any other resources for families? Share them in the comments! You never know who it might help.
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Amanda Blankenship is the Chief Editor for District Media. With a BA in journalism from Wingate University, she frequently writes for a handful of websites and loves to share her own personal finance story with others. When she isn’t typing away at her desk, she enjoys spending time with her daughter, son, husband, and dog. During her free time, you’re likely to find her with her nose in a book, hiking, or playing RPG video games.
