The shutdown’s toll on SNAP families
1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP for food each month. As of Nov 1, millions haven’t received their benefits.
To help, Propel launched a $1 million relief fund, with the goal of growing it to $10+ million by bringing together donors to support families in need. Together, we can help keep food on the table during this crisis.
At a glance
children in America
currently relying on SNAP
of households receiving SNAP
have less than $10 in their account
feel "extremely stressed” about their
ability to provide food for their family
SNAP deposits by day#snap-deposits-by-day
Behind every delayed SNAP deposit is a family waiting for their next meal.
SNAP deposit dates vary by state—some arrive on the 1st, others on later days. This staggered schedule means millions wait daily for the benefits they need to buy food. Our data from over 5 million households shows how many November deposits—and meals—families are still waiting for each day.
"I'm pregnant with a baby so nutrition and food is very paramount to me at this stage. It would be detrimental to my health without my benefits."
— Destinee, SNAP recipient
"I work 40 hours a week and still SNAP doesn't cover all my food. The little we do get helps me feed my son."
— Chastity, SNAP recipient
"Without SNAP benefits paying for groceries to feed my children I have to now choose between paying a bill or go without food."
— SNAP recipient
Propel commits $1 million to launch emergency fund to support SNAP households
On October 28, Propel launched a $1 million relief fund to support SNAP households hit hardest by the shutdown. Thanks to support from Robin Hood Foundation, Share Our Strength, The Leon Levine Foundation, Babylist, and others, the fund has now grown to more than $5 million.
Beginning November 1, we started sending $50 cash transfers to families receiving the maximum SNAP benefit — households with the least financial cushion when benefits are delayed.
We’re working to grow the fund to $10 million so we can reach even more families. Every contribution helps parents put food on the table while they wait for their benefits to resume.
FAQ
How does this emergency fund work?
Propel put $1 million into an emergency fund and is partnering with GiveDirectly to raise additional funds to help families during the shutdown. We identify eligible households through the Propel app and deliver funds through GiveCard, a prepaid debit card that allows recipients to securely access and spend their relief funds immediately.
Who is eligible to receive emergency funds?
We're targeting Propel users in households of three or more who receive the maximum SNAP allotment – a key indicator of extremely low or zero earned income. These families have the least financial cushion when benefits are delayed, making them our highest priority.
How much does each family receive?
Each eligible family receives a one-time payment of $50 in emergency cash relief. This is less than what they would have received from SNAP monthly, and is meant to provide some relief to help bridge the gap, not replace what they've lost.
How are funds distributed?
We're enrolling families on the day they would normally receive their benefits and started distributing funds on November 3. Recipients who choose virtual GiveCards receive them in 1-2 business days, while physical GiveCards arrive within 2-3 weeks.
How quickly do recipients get the money?
After completing the enrollment survey in the Propel app, recipients who select a virtual GiveCard receive their prepaid debit card in 1-2 business days. Those who choose a physical GiveCard receive it in the mail within 2-3 weeks.
What happens if a judge orders the government to release contingency funds?
A court order would let the government use emergency funds to keep SNAP running, but benefits might still be late or smaller since the emergency fund doesn't cover everything. It's a temporary fix, not a full solution—Congress still needs to restore regular funding. We'll continue our emergency relief program as planned.
What happens to donations if SNAP benefits start again?
We're distributing emergency funds in real time as families miss their November SNAP payments. We'll keep sending money as long as SNAP benefits are stopped and we have funds to deliver.
The latest news on SNAP
Last updated 11/3/2025
- November 3, the USDA confirmed it would pay partial (50%) SNAP benefits, although these payments will be delayed
What this means
- For millions of households, deposits will still be delayed by days or weeks
- This only covers partial benefits—leaving families with less than they need to afford food
A growing number of families are running out of food money
As the shutdown stretches on, more households are reaching the end of their SNAP funds. By October 28, more than half of Propel users had less than $10 left on their EBT card — effectively their entire grocery budget until deposits resume in November.
Resources & support
Follow Propel for the latest research, resources, and updates on SNAP programs nationwide.
Propel Commits $1 Million to Launch Emergency Fund to Support SNAP Households Impacted by Shutdown
Special savings from grocery and delivery partners
In addition to direct cash assistance, Propel is collaborating with several grocery and food delivery partners to offer special savings for EBT households during the shutdown.
- These offers, funded jointly by Propel and partner brands, are designed to stretch food budgets and make essentials more affordable.
- Confirmed partners include Instacart, with additional offers in progress.
If you have resources, offers, or services — we are your partner in getting them to those who need them most.
About Propel
Propel is a tech company that’s strengthening the social safety net for people who receive government benefits. Over 5 million Americans trust the free Propel app to check their EBT balance, save money, and get updates about their benefits. Propel has partnered with renowned institutions and organizations like GoFundMe and GiveDirectly. The company is backed by world-class investors like Andreessen Horowitz, NYCA Partners, Salesforce Ventures, Kleiner Perkins, JPMorganChase, Kevin Durant, and Serena Williams.
About GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is a nonprofit that provides unconditional cash transfers to people in poverty. Through extensive research, GiveDirectly has found that cash allows individuals to invest in what they need, rather than relying on aid organizations and donors to decide for them. In the last decade, GiveDirectly has delivered $900M+ to over 1.7 million to low-income families, including in the aftermath of climate emergencies, natural disasters, civil conflict, and COVID-19. Learn more at givedirectly.org.
Contact
Submit inquiries to press@joinpropel.com
