DoorDash is helping people on government assistance get groceries

(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — It’s not just for fast food cravings. DoorDash has been delivering groceries to people on government assistance.

The company says since it began accepting SNAP, or the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, in July of last year, 25,000 people in Cook County who receive benefits have used DoorDash for 145,000 deliveries.

Cheryl Young, Head of Policy Research for the company, says this is helping people in food deserts get fresh, healthy food.

“Because they're so far away, they have to use multiple transportation modes to get there,” Young said.

“You know, we’ve heard that it is giving people, it's opening doors for them to actually get those groceries and also just, you know, sort of healthy food in general.”

She cites a DoorDash survey that found access is the biggest reason SNAP recipients use the platform for groceries - whether it’s not having a car or the physical mobility to get there.

Alanna Shipley, the head of Audience Insights for DoorDash, said they’ve expanded options by adding stores - going from 6,000 to 15,000 across the country.

The privacy that comes with ordering groceries is another reason Young said people like DoorDash.

Three out of five SNAP recipients said in the survey they feel self-conscious about using the benefits.

In Illinois, the company says SNAP recipients have used it for more than 225,000 deliveries since it came online.

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