The shutdown’s toll on SNAP families
1 in 8 Americans rely on SNAP for food each month. Since Nov 1, millions still haven’t received their benefits.
To help, Propel launched a $1 million relief fund, with the goal of growing it to $20+ million by bringing together donors to support families in need. Together, we can help keep food on the table during this crisis.
children in America who rely on SNAP
households with less than $10 in their EBT account
parents who say they lack enough resources for food this week
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 by the shutdown. Thanks to support from Robin Hood Foundation, Share Our Strength, The Leon Levine Foundation, NY Health Foundation, Babylist, Savvy, Insurify, ByMae and others, the fund has now grown to more than $10 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 $20 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 11/8/2025
- On late Friday, November 7th, the Supreme Court paused a ruling to restore full November SNAP benefits
What this means
- Most states are now waiting for more clarity before issuing deposits
- The timing of payments is still unclear, leaving millions of Americans in limbo
Stories from families receiving relief
I’ve been skipping meals to make sure my kids have what they need and was even planning to skip a credit card payment just to afford some staples for the week.When I got the email that the funds were available, I was thrilled! I spent some of the money on diapers for my twins. I’ve been on sick leave from work, and my next paycheck will be very small. That money came just in time—and I mean by hours.
When I got it I cried. It made things a little easier that day. I spent the money on food: milk, cheese, meat, noodles, corn, and rice. Since I already had the Propel app, it was easy to use. I appreciated receiving cash, because I know exactly what will feed my family and how to stretch it so my kids aren’t hungry. The support helped us get through without my boys going hungry. They were fed, and that’s what mattered.
I would visit food banks and try to pre-plan meals for the next day, just so I knew for sure the kids had food. But someone would skip meals just to make sure everyone else had eaten. I was so grateful for the cash, it helped us tremendously. I went to the grocery store immediately and bought food, mostly for my children. The sign-up process was fast and simple. It made a huge difference. We are extremely grateful that they did this.
After being homeless with four kids for two and a half years, we finally just got back into a place of our own. I rely on food stamps to feed the kids while I work full time, so losing that support is a huge inconvenience. Do I pay the bills and keep a roof over our heads, or do I feed the kids? No one should have to make that decision. I didn’t pay some bills this month because the food stamps were gone—my kids had to eat. Receiving the cash was a small weight lifted off my shoulders.
My biggest worry is how are we going to pay for food? We have to delay paying bills. It’s already hard trying to work when you have a special needs child and very little support system. I was very happy to receive the support. My youngest is turning 6 next week, so I bought some items so we can celebrate his birthday. Now he can have a cake. When you have kids, every little bit helps. Thank you so much. You don’t understand how big of a help it is to us.
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
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
