Starting in 2025, the ability to use EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) cards, including SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits, on food delivery platforms like DoorDash is still in development. Millions of low-income Americans rely on SNAP to cover their grocery expenses, and online grocery shopping is becoming more common. But what role does DoorDash play in all of this?
In this in-depth article, we’ll discuss whether DoorDash accepts EBT or SNAP, which DoorDash stores or merchants may allow SNAP purchases, and what alternatives exist for EBT users looking for food delivery or pickup services.
🚫 Does DoorDash Accept EBT or SNAP?
No, DoorDash does not currently accept EBT, SNAP, or food stamps for food deliveries or grocery orders. By mid-2025:
- You cannot use an EBT card to pay for restaurant meals or grocery delivery directly through the DoorDash app or website.
- DoorDash only accepts credit cards, debit cards, PayPal, Apple Pay, Google Pay, and DoorDash gift cards.
While DoorDash partners with some grocery stores, the platform has not been approved as an EBT retailer under the USDA’s Online Shopping Pilot Program.
🛒 Why Can’t You Use SNAP on DoorDash?
The main reasons SNAP/EBT is not accepted on DoorDash include:
- Federal Regulations: SNAP benefits can only be used for eligible food items and only at USDA-approved retailers.
- Online SNAP Pilot Limitations: Only selected platforms and stores have been approved by the USDA’s Online Purchasing Pilot, such as Amazon and Walmart.
- Restaurant Meals Excluded: SNAP cannot be used at restaurants unless you qualify for the Restaurant Meals Program (RMP), which is only available in certain states.
DoorDash primarily focuses on prepared meals and restaurant deliveries, making most of its services ineligible for SNAP under federal law.
🏬 Do Any Grocery Stores on DoorDash Accept EBT?
Some grocery chains on DoorDash, such as Safeway, Albertsons, Meijer, and Kroger, accept EBT/SNAP on their own apps or websites, but not through DoorDash.
✅ Here’s what that means:
| Grocery Store | Accepts EBT on DoorDash? | Accepts EBT on Own App/Website? |
|---|---|---|
| Safeway | ❌ Not on DoorDash | ✅ Yes, on Safeway.com |
| Albertsons | ❌ Not on DoorDash | ✅ Yes, on Albertsons.com |
| Kroger | ❌ Not on DoorDash | ✅ Yes, on Kroger.com |
| Meijer | ❌ Not on DoorDash | ✅ Yes, on Meijer.com |
| Aldi | ❌ Not on DoorDash | ✅ Yes, via Instacart |
While you can see these stores in the DoorDash app, you can’t use EBT to pay for your purchases on that platform. You must place your order directly from the store’s website or through EBT-compatible services like Instacart or Amazon.
🥡 Why Prepared Meals Aren’t Covered by SNAP
The SNAP program is meant for food intended for home preparation. That means you can buy:
- Fruits and vegetables
- Meat, poultry, and fish
- Dairy products
- Bread and cereals
- Non-alcoholic beverages
But you cannot use SNAP to buy:
- Hot, prepared meals
- Restaurant food
- Alcohol
- Vitamins and supplements
- Pet food or household supplies
Since DoorDash primarily delivers prepared meals from restaurants, this makes most of its offerings ineligible for SNAP purchases, even if you could use your EBT card.
🧾 Alternatives to DoorDash That Accept EBT/SNAP in 2025
While DoorDash doesn’t accept EBT, other services do. Here are a few EBT-eligible food delivery or pickup platforms:
1. Amazon Fresh & Amazon Pantry
- Accepts EBT in all participating states.
- Offers free grocery delivery with a minimum purchase.
- Available nationwide (depending on ZIP code).
2. Walmart Grocery Delivery & Pickup
- Accepts EBT for online orders.
- Available in most areas.
- Offers delivery (for a fee) or free store pickup.
3. Instacart
- Accepts EBT for select stores (like Aldi, Save Mart, and Food Lion).
- Offers grocery delivery and pickup.
- Must add EBT card to Instacart account and shop at eligible retailers.
4. Target via Shipt
- Accepts EBT online (in pilot states only).
- Use Target.com or the Target app to place orders.
- Delivery or pickup options vary by region.
🍽 What About Restaurant Meals Program (RMP)?
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) allows certain SNAP recipients (primarily seniors, people with disabilities, or people experiencing homelessness) to purchase meals at participating restaurants using their EBT card.
However, RMP is only available in select states, including:
- California
- Arizona
- Illinois
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Rhode Island
- Virginia (pilot phase)
Even in states with RMP, DoorDash doesn’t process EBT payments. You’ll need to visit the restaurant in person to use your EBT card.
📍 Can You Use SNAP with DoorDash in the Future?
There is growing pressure on food delivery platforms like DoorDash, Grubhub, and Uber Eats to expand access to EBT/SNAP, especially for:
- Low-income families without cars
- Seniors and disabled people
- People living in food deserts
DoorDash has expressed interest in expanding grocery delivery partnerships, but as of 2025, no official program allows EBT use on DoorDash.
Expect slow progress unless USDA regulations change or DoorDash joins the Online Purchasing Pilot in the future.
🧠 Key Takeaways
- ✅ DoorDash does not accept EBT, SNAP, or food stamps for restaurant or grocery orders.
- ❌ You cannot use EBT to pay for prepared meals on DoorDash, even through partner grocery stores.
- 🛒 Use Amazon, Walmart, or Instacart for online grocery delivery with EBT.
- 🍽 The Restaurant Meals Program is in select states, but DoorDash is not participating.
- 📅 In the future, DoorDash may expand access to SNAP if regulations and tech support it.
If you’re looking for EBT-compatible options near you or want to know which stores deliver SNAP food in your area, let me know your ZIP code, and I’ll help you find local solutions.
