DoorDash Drops H.R. 9720 Support, Seeks SNAP Delivery Tax Exemption
DoorDash has withdrawn its letter of support for H.R. 9720 and announced plans to significantly expand its community investment initiatives in Washington, D.C., beginning in 2027. The company said the move reflects its intention to work more directly with District leaders as concerns continue surrounding a new delivery tax scheduled to take effect on October 1.
The delivery tax will apply to food and grocery orders placed through third-party delivery platforms. DoorDash said it is particularly concerned about the potential impact of the tax on residents who depend on delivery services because of financial, mobility, or access challenges.
Rather than continuing to support federal legislation related to the issue, DoorDash said it wants to engage directly with the D.C. City Council. The company is calling for public hearings and is seeking an exemption for deliveries paid for through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
Max Rettig, Head of Global Public Policy at DoorDash, said the company’s original support for H.R. 9720 was driven by concerns about the potential consequences of the District’s delivery tax, particularly for vulnerable residents.
“Our letter of support for H.R. 9720 came from a place of deep concern about this tax, particularly for D.C.’s most vulnerable residents,” Rettig said. “The delivery tax disproportionately harms SNAP recipients who use these benefits to put food on the table and those with mobility issues, including seniors, who rely on delivery for their groceries and meals.”
Rettig added that DoorDash believes working directly with District leaders is the appropriate way to address the issue while reinforcing the company’s commitment to Washington, D.C.
“We recognize that working directly with District leaders is the right way to fight for District residents, and that doing otherwise calls into question our commitment to D.C.,” he said.
DoorDash also emphasized its support for the District’s right to Home Rule. The company said its expanded community investments are intended to demonstrate its commitment to local restaurants, food banks, community organizations and residents.
DoorDash Seeks SNAP Exemption Before October 1
The new D.C. delivery tax is scheduled to begin October 1 and will cover a broad range of orders made through third-party delivery platforms. This includes restaurant meals, grocery orders, household essentials and other deliveries.
For many residents, delivery services can provide access to essential goods when traveling to a restaurant or grocery store is difficult or impossible. DoorDash specifically pointed to families that may have difficulty reaching a grocery store, working parents purchasing household necessities and seniors or other residents with limited mobility who depend on delivery.
The company said it is prepared to work with members of the D.C. City Council to establish an exemption for SNAP recipients before the tax takes effect.
According to DoorDash, the company delivered more than 150,000 SNAP and EBT orders in the District during 2025. The figure highlights the role that delivery platforms can play in connecting SNAP recipients with food and groceries.
DoorDash also raised concerns about the minimum amount of the new tax. The company noted that the law establishes a 20-cent minimum and argued that the amount could increase in the future.
While 20 cents may appear relatively small on an individual order, DoorDash said the history of other District taxes illustrates why it is concerned about potential future increases.
The company pointed to a similar tax on rideshare services that was introduced in 2014 at 1% of gross receipts. According to DoorDash, the D.C. City Council subsequently increased the rate sixfold over a four-year period, reaching 6%.
DoorDash said this history reinforces its desire to work with Council members on an exemption specifically for SNAP deliveries.
Expanded Investment in D.C. Communities
Alongside its policy position, DoorDash announced a substantial expansion of its community investment plans for Washington, D.C., beginning in 2027.
The company said the initiatives will focus on restaurants, food access and community organizations, with additional resources directed toward residents and groups that provide essential services throughout the District.
More Than $1 Million for Local Restaurants
DoorDash plans to increase its investment in initiatives supporting D.C. restaurants by 50%, bringing the total commitment to more than $1 million.
The initiative is designed to help local restaurants reach new customers, strengthen their businesses and expand their opportunities through the DoorDash platform.
Restaurants play an important role in the District’s food economy, and DoorDash said its increased investment will provide participating businesses with additional opportunities to connect with consumers.
The company said the initiative will form part of its broader effort to support the local restaurant community as it continues discussions with District leaders.
500,000 Free Meals for D.C. Residents
DoorDash also plans to expand its support for Project DASH partners across Washington, D.C.
Under the expanded commitment, DoorDash said it will deliver 500,000 free meals to District residents in 2027.
Project DASH is DoorDash’s initiative focused on using its logistics network and delivery capabilities to help nonprofit organizations improve food access and address food insecurity. Through partnerships with community organizations, the program supports the delivery of meals and other essential resources to people who need them.
The increased commitment in Washington is intended to strengthen the company’s work with organizations serving residents throughout the District.
Community Grants Program to Reach $250,000
DoorDash is also increasing funding through its Community Grants program.
The company said its community grant commitment in D.C. will grow to $250,000, tripling the size of the program. The additional funding is expected to provide more resources to community organizations working with some of the District’s most vulnerable residents.
The grants will complement DoorDash’s restaurant and food-access initiatives by supporting organizations that operate directly within local communities.
Focus on Partnership With District Leaders
DoorDash’s announcement combines its policy concerns about the delivery tax with a broader commitment to community investment.
The company said it supports D.C.’s Home Rule authority and wants to engage with the City Council directly regarding the delivery tax. Its immediate priority is to work toward an exemption for SNAP deliveries before the October 1 implementation date.
At the same time, DoorDash is positioning its expanded 2027 investments as part of its relationship with restaurants, nonprofit organizations and residents in Washington, D.C.
The company said its increased support for restaurants, free meal deliveries and community grants reflects its intention to remain involved in the District beyond the policy debate over the delivery tax.
With more than 150,000 SNAP and EBT orders delivered in D.C. in 2025, DoorDash has highlighted food-access deliveries as a central part of its argument for an exemption. The company maintains that residents who depend on SNAP benefits and delivery services should not face additional costs when obtaining food and groceries.
As the October 1 effective date approaches, DoorDash said it remains ready to work with the D.C. City Council, participate in discussions and support efforts to exempt SNAP deliveries from the new tax.
The company’s expanded community investment plans for 2027—including more than $1 million for restaurants, 500,000 free meals and $250,000 in community grants—will add another dimension to its engagement with Washington, D.C., as the District considers the impact of the new delivery tax on residents, businesses and community organizations.
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