Report: How SNAP Delivery is Reshaping Grocery Access

DoorDash has announced new research showing how SNAP/EBT delivery is expanding grocery access for households facing barriers to shopping in-store. 

The new research shows why that access matters: DoorDash consumers using SNAP/EBT are 2x as likely to live in a food desert, more than 1 in 3 report living with a disability or chronic illness, and caregiving responsibilities (46%) and transportation challenges (43%) are among the top reasons they turn to delivery. 

For grocers, expanding SNAP/EBT access can also help them build new customer relationships: ~85% of a store’s SNAP customers were new to that store after it enabled SNAP/EBT on DoorDash. And without the option available, 61% of consumers surveyed said they would turn to a different online big-box retailer rather than shop the same store in person.

Other interesting / insightful survey data includes:

• 83% say DoorDash makes it easier to manage their food budget, while 81% say it helps ensure groceries last the full month
• 70% report positive changes in eating habits, including cooking at home more and eating more fruits and vegetables
• 93% say delivery gives them time back, which is often redirected toward cooking, family and rest

Three years after launching SNAP/EBT payments, 4.5M+ consumers have added their SNAP cards to DoorDash and nearly 75,000 stores now accept the benefit, giving 99% of SNAP households access to at least one participating store on the platform.

DoorDash is also welcoming seven new grocers to its SNAP/EBT network today: Albertsons Market, Amigos, Boyer’s Food Markets, Food Smart, Hays Supermarkets, Market Street, and United Supermarkets.

The full report looks at what the growth of SNAP/EBT delivery means for both grocery access and the merchants serving these communities