Propel Is Sending $1 Million To SNAP Families Missing Benefits This Thanksgiving

Through the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund, Propel and GiveDirectly will distribute $100 to eligible users who missed their October deposit

BROOKLYN, NY, UNITED STATES, October 21, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- As families across the country face Thanksgiving without expected SNAP benefits, Propel, the nation’s largest EBT app, is partnering with GiveDirectly to launch the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund, a $1 million initiative providing direct financial support to eligible users who missed their October SNAP deposit.

Eligible Propel users will receive $100 in direct support. The fund can reach 10,000 households, with additional funding allowing Propel to help more families facing benefit gaps.

The initiative is part of Propel’s broader response to H.R. 1 as states implement new work, documentation, and recertification requirements. Propel is developing tools and guidance to help SNAP households understand requirements, complete critical steps, and respond when expected deposits do 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.”

A recent Propel survey of more than 3,300 SNAP recipients found that, over the previous 30 days, 38% ate less, 28% skipped meals, and 40% worried their food would run out before they could afford more. Half lacked essentials, and 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 of U.S. Programs at GiveDirectly. “Direct cash gives families the dignity and flexibility to buy groceries or any other essentials they need right away.”

Eligibility and How to Participate
Recipients must have received their September SNAP deposit but missed their October deposit. Existing Propel users do not need to apply or take additional steps to be considered. New users must sign up and begin using the app by October 31. Because funding is limited, not all eligible users will receive funds. Users must open the Propel app on November 3 to see if they qualify.

For more information or to donate, visit the Thanksgiving SNAP Bridge Fund page.

About Propel
Propel is a technology company strengthening the social safety net for people receiving government benefits. More than 5 million Americans use its free app to check EBT balances, save money, and get benefit updates. Investors include Andreessen Horowitz, Nyca Partners, Kleiner Perkins, Salesforce Ventures, JPMorganChase, Kevin Durant, and Serena Williams.

About GiveDirectly
GiveDirectly is a nonprofit that sends cash directly to people living in poverty, allowing them to decide how best to improve their lives. Founded in 2009, it has delivered more than $160 million to over 170,000 households worldwide. GiveDirectly has been recognized by GiveWell, Charity Navigator, and Fast Company.

About the Partnership
Since 2020, Propel and GiveDirectly have partnered to distribute more than $220 million in direct cash assistance to SNAP households facing crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, natural disasters, and government shutdowns.

MEDIA CONTACTS
Rachel Rogers, rachel.rogers@joinpropel.com
Shamari White, shamari.white@givedirectly.org / press@givedirectly.org

Rachel Rogers
Propel, Inc.
rachel.rogers@joinpropel.com