Propel is sending $1 million to SNAP families missing benefits this Thanksgiving
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Through the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund, Propel and GiveDirectly will distribute $100 to eligible users who missed their October deposit
NEW YORK, NY, October 21, 2026 — As families around the country who rely on SNAP face Thanksgiving without benefits they expected to receive, Propel, the nation’s largest EBT app serving over 25% of all SNAP households, is partnering with GiveDirectly to launch the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund, a $1 million effort to provide direct financial support to users. Through the initiative, eligible Propel users who missed their October SNAP deposit will receive $100 in direct support. With $1 million in funding, the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund can reach 10,000 SNAP households, with any additional funds allowing Propel to support even more families facing gaps in their SNAP benefits.
The Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund is part of Propel’s broader response to H.R. 1, as states implement new work, documentation, and recertification requirements. Propel is developing tools, guidance, and communications to help SNAP households understand what applies to them, complete critical steps, and respond when an expected deposit does not arrive.
“Our goal is simple: to help every eligible family who wants SNAP to get and keep their benefits,” said Jimmy Chen, founder and CEO of Propel. “The Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund is one immediate way we are supporting people facing a gap right now. But our work goes beyond a one-time payment. We’re building tools that help people navigate the system and access the benefits they’re entitled to.”
The need for support is reflected in a recent Propel survey of more than 3,300 SNAP recipients nationwide about their experiences over the previous 30 days. Thirty-eight percent said they ate less, 28% skipped meals, and 40% worried their food would run out before they could afford more. Half said they were lacking essentials, while 66% had less than $25 in cash on hand.
"No family should have to choose between putting a Thanksgiving meal on the table or covering other basics,” said Dustin Palmer, Executive Director, U.S. Programs at GiveDirectly. "Direct cash gives families the dignity and flexibility to buy groceries or any other essentials they need right away."
To be eligible, SNAP recipients must have received their September deposit but missed their October deposit. Existing Propel users do not need to apply or take any additional steps to be considered. Those who are not currently using Propel must sign up and begin using the app by October 31 to be eligible.
Because funding is limited, not all eligible users will receive funds. Recipients must open the Propel app on November 3rd to see if they qualify.
For more information about Propel, its resources for SNAP recipients, and how to donate to the campaign, please visit https://www.propel.app/thanksgiving-snap-bridge-fund/
About Propel#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. The company is backed by world-class investors like Andreessen Horowitz, Nyca Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Salesforce Ventures, JPMorganChase, Kevin Durant, and Serena Williams.
About GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is the first — and largest — nonprofit that lets donors send money directly to the world’s poorest. We believe people living in poverty deserve the dignity to choose for themselves how best to improve their lives — cash enables that choice. Founded in 2009, GiveDirectly has delivered over $160 million in cash directly into the hands of over 170,000 households living in poverty across the world. GiveDirectly has been ranked as a top international charity by GiveWell, received a 100% rating on Charity Navigator, and is recognized by FastCompany as one of the top 10 most innovative companies in the non-profit sector. To learn more, visit GiveDirectly.org.
About the Partnership
Since 2020, Propel and GiveDirectly have partnered to distribute over $200 million in direct cash assistance to help SNAP households navigate crises like the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, government shutdowns, and more.
MEDIA CONTACTS:
Rachel Rogers, rachel.rogers@joinpropel.com
Shamari White, shamari.white@givedirectly.org / press@givedirectly.org
