Episode 433

full
Published on:

1st Nov 2025

DoorDash Launches Emergency Food Response Program | Fast Five Shorts

DoorDash launches a game-changing emergency food response program, offering free delivery for food banks and waiving fees for 300,000 SNAP recipient orders amid the government shutdown crisis. Anne and Chris break down why this move demonstrates the power of third-party logistics platforms, signals improving retailer partnerships, and builds customer loyalty that will last for years. Learn how reactive merchandising and doing good creates a competitive advantage.

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#doordash #SNAPbenefits #foodinsecurity #grocerydelivery #retailgivingback #emergencyresponse #socialimpact



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Transcript
Speaker A:

Doordash has launched an emergency food response program.

Speaker A:

According to chainstore Age Again, DoorDash is launching an emergency food response program including free delivery for its Project Dash food bank and food pantry partners nationwide.

Speaker A:

It will also partner with leading grocers to waive delivery and service fees for an estimated 300,000 orders for snap recipients.

Speaker A:

The move comes in response to the ongoing government shutdown as the U.S. department of Agriculture posted a notice on its website saying federal food aid will not go out November 1st.

Speaker A:

And the Trump administration has also said it would not tap roughly $5 billion in emergency funds to SNAP benefits funded through the next month.

Speaker A:

And this story of DoorDash responding to help SNAP recipients caught your eye this week?

Speaker A:

Why?

Speaker B:

Yeah, I mean I think, number one, I think it's a real testament to what is possible when you are on the DoorDash platform.

Speaker B:

They have built the infrastructure with their grocery partners, with their convenience part to really support being able to quickly enact something where they're covering the cost of delivery across the board.

Speaker B:

And I think, you know, I, I'm hopeful at least that that tells me that the relationships between the third party logistics providers like DoorDash and their retailers are not kind of the money grab that they seem to be during the pandemic where it was like DoorDash was getting all the money the third, the, you know, the retailers weren't getting as much value out of it.

Speaker B:

I'm hopeful that this is maybe a sign and maybe this is my road rose colored glasses.

Speaker B:

But I'm hopeful that this is a sign that they're, they're becoming a more mutually beneficial partnership and this is one way that they're really focusing on how they can act quickly in the community to make an impact for their customers who are, are reliant on this platform.

Speaker B:

And I think that's where the third part comes in that I, I, I think is most important is that they are developing a relationship with their customers right now that I think will stand, stand the test of time.

Speaker B:

The fact that, you know, a lot of the people that are on SNAP benefits don't have access to a car and can still get, you know, in their food desert communities they still have access to nutrient rich products like produce, like other grocery items because DoorDash and its retail partners are making this still available to them at no cost for delivery.

Speaker B:

I think you've got customers for life.

Speaker B:

And so I think everyone really benefits in this, in this situation.

Speaker B:

But DoorDash especially is, is doing well by doing good here.

Speaker B:

And that I think Doordash deserves a ton of kudos for.

Speaker B:

How about you, though?

Speaker B:

I mean, what, what are your thoughts on this move from DoorDash?

Speaker B:

Chris?

Speaker A:

Yeah, I mean, I don't think I disagree with anything.

Speaker A:

I think what I would just do is, is emphasize the points you made, which I think is kudos to Doordash.

Speaker A:

You know, at the end of the day, like, it's just good reactive merchandising too.

Speaker A:

Like, that's the, the key thing here, you know, which we talk a lot about on this show and probably don't single out enough, honestly.

Speaker A:

But it's just, just a smart move.

Speaker A:

It's a smart merchandising move.

Speaker A:

You're moving on the trends that are going to be important to the bottom line of your business.

Speaker A:

But, but, you know, beyond that, I think Doordash just keeps making moves that I think are really hard to disagree with.

Speaker A:

You know, we constantly are talking about them on the show and constantly lauding them.

Speaker A:

And, and for that reason, that's why they're going to keep getting my personal dollar too.

Speaker A:

And, um, it is, it is definitely going to continue in my rotation as my number one most used retail app, which it is now.

Speaker A:

I mean, I'm probably using it more so than any other app in.

Speaker A:

On my iPhone, you know, quite honestly in the marketplace.

Speaker A:

You know, I know you like Walmart plus too, but.

Speaker A:

But, you know, like, that's just the way I think about it and the reason for that is just like, I just, I just like how they do business and I think that's an important factor to consider right now.

Speaker B:

Right?

Speaker B:

Absolutely.

Speaker B:

Yes.

Speaker B:

Doordash keep.

Speaker B:

We'll keep up to speed on this.

Speaker B:

I know there's a lot that is in the works right now with this November 1st deadline coming up, so we will stay on top of it.

Speaker B:

And Again, thank you, DoorDash, for doing this service for your customers in our communities.

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About the Podcast

Omni Talk Retail
Omni Talk Retail provides news, analysis, and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry
Omni Talk Retail provides news, analysis, and commentary on the latest trends and issues in the retail industry. It covers a wide range of topics related to retail, including e-commerce, technology, marketing, and consumer behavior. The podcast regularly features industry experts, Chris Walton and Anne Mezzenga, as well as retail thought leaders who all share their insights and perspectives on the latest developments in retail.

About your hosts

Anne Mezzenga

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Anne Mezzenga is an entrepreneurial Marketing Executive with nearly 20 years in the retail, experience design, and technology industries.

Currently, she is one of the founders and Co-CEOs of Omni Talk.

Prior to her latest ventures, Anne was most recently the Head of Marketing and Partnerships for Target’s Store of the Future project. Early in her career, Anne worked as a producer for advertising agencies, Martin Williams and Fallon, and as a producer and reporter for news affiliates NBC New York and KMSP Minneapolis.

Anne holds a BA in Journalism from the University of Minnesota – Twin Cities.

When Anne is not busy blogging, podcasting, or sharing her expertise with clients, she loves spending time with her husband and two boys and partaking in all the Minneapolis food scene has to offer.

Chris Walton

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