More than 800,000 people in New Jersey receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits — SNAP — and more than 8% of all NJ households are food insecure, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, meaning nearly one million residents are likely to feel the pinch in November, as SNAP benefits might not be issued due to the ongoing federal government shutdown.
Food delivery service DoorDash is stepping in by providing one million free meals through associated food pantries, and is providing free delivery for anyone receiving SNAP benefits through its Emergency Food Response program.
Here’s how you can take advantage of DoorDash’s offer.
DoorDash offering free meals for SNAP users
DoorDash, through ProjectDASH, is partnering with a nationwide network of food pantry partners, including the United Way, to provide one million free meals through November.
“DoorDash is waiving merchant fees for all 300+ Project DASH partner food banks, food pantries, and community organizations nationwide throughout November, equal to an estimated 1 million meals,” read DoorDash’s announcement.
Sign up for DoorDash here:
Which food banks in New Jersey are part of ProjectDASH?
DoorDash confirmed the United Way and Feeding America are participating in ProjectDASH. Both organizations serve New Jersey.
If you need assistance through November or at any point, you can also request services through the Food Bank of South Jersey and the PhilaBundance network of food pantries in South Jersey.
SNAP users get free DoorDash deliveries
DoorDash is also waiving delivery and service fees for people who order using their SNAP benefits from these stores:
DoorDash is prepared to receive roughly 300,000 orders from SNAP users.
DoorDash acknowledged its Emergency Food Response cannot replace federal SNAP funding, but hopes its action spurs congressional movement and an increase in donations to local food banks.
“Our response alone cannot match the scale of this crisis. The federal government’s role is irreplaceable,” read a portion of DoorDash’s alert. “This is an opportunity for Congress to come together and find a way to continue to fund this essential program that keeps Americans from going hungry.
“We’re also calling on companies, organizations, and individuals to do their part — donate food, funds, or time —to support those most in need.”
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Damon C. Williams is a Philadelphia-based journalist reporting on trending topics across the Mid-Atlantic Region.
This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Hit by SNAP cuts in NJ? You can get free food, deliveries from DoorDash
