SNAP benefits are paused but DoorDash, Instacart, GoPuff are offering aid

The SNAP shutdown halts roughly $8 billion a month in federal food assistance — money that usually flows straight into grocery stores and helps feed 42 million Americans. Without it, both low-income households and major retailers like Walmart, Aldi and Kroger feel the pinch. Driving the news: Companies and nonprofits are rolling out new programs to keep food flowing — from free grocery credits to multimillion-dollar donations.