by Jackie Navarrete
Some news flies under the radar—and this one flew right past a lot of folks. DoorDash now accepts EBT (Electronic Benefit Transfer) payments for SNAP-eligible grocery and convenience store items. Yep, it’s already live and active—but many business owners and even customers have no idea.
This quiet rollout could be one of the biggest missed opportunities for small grocery and convenience store owners—unless you act on it now.
Let’s talk about what this means, why it’s such a big deal, and how integrating DoorDash with your Clover POS system could be the smartest move you make all year.
First off—What Exactly Is Happening with DoorDash and EBT?
DoorDash has added the ability for customers using SNAP benefits (EBT cards) to pay for eligible food items through their platform. This means:
- Customers can browse grocery and convenience items online
- Add SNAP-approved products to their cart
- Checkout using their EBT card
- Get everything delivered right to their doorstep
Sounds simple—but it’s a game-changer.
This makes DoorDash one of the first major delivery platforms to offer this option, following in the footsteps of programs like Amazon and Walmart’s grocery services.
The catch? Most consumers and store owners aren’t aware of this update yet.
Why This is a Game-Changer for Grocery & Convenience Stores
Small, local stores—especially those in under-served or low-income communities—now have an edge. By joining DoorDash’s EBT-supported platform, your store can:
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Serve more customers: Millions of Americans rely on SNAP benefits. This opens the door to a huge population that might not otherwise shop at your store.
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Boost delivery orders: Customers who use SNAP benefits can now use DoorDash, increasing your potential for online orders.
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Stay competitive: Big chains already offer EBT-friendly delivery. Now you can, too.
This isn’t just about meeting a need—it’s about building loyalty and giving your community access to what they need most: food, essentials, and convenience.
How Clover POS Integration Elevates This Even Further
If you already use a Clover POS system, you’re sitting on a golden opportunity. Clover integrates with DoorDash through partner apps like DoorDash Drive and other third-party tools. That means your order processing, inventory, and customer data can all sync seamlessly.
Here’s how combining Clover with DoorDash + EBT acceptance can work in your favor:
- Streamlined Orders
Clover lets you manage in-person and delivery orders in one place. No juggling tablets. No extra steps. Orders from DoorDash can flow right into your Clover dashboard, making life easier for you and your staff.
- Inventory Management
Automatically sync what’s in stock, what’s low, and what’s out. Clover can help keep your online storefront accurate, reducing canceled orders and customer frustration.
- Faster Payments
With DoorDash Drive or third-party delivery apps connected to Clover, you get paid faster and manage fewer manual transactions. When customers pay with EBT through DoorDash, it’s processed like any other accepted payment.
- Better Reporting
Track what’s selling, who’s buying, and when. Clover’s reporting tools give you insights that can help you improve your marketing and ordering decisions. This is especially useful if you want to see how well your EBT-eligible items are performing.
Why This Matters to Your Customers
Many families rely on EBT to cover their grocery needs, but not all of them have the time, transportation, or ability to shop in-store. Offering DoorDash delivery with EBT acceptance changes the game for them:
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It’s convenient
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It’s private (there’s less stigma when ordering online)
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It keeps them loyal to your store
If your store provides this option while your competitors don’t? You just became their go-to shop.
Here’s What You Can Do Next
Ready to tap into this opportunity before everyone else catches on? Here’s a step-by-step game plan:
1. Make Sure You’re Set Up to Accept EBT
If you don’t already accept EBT in-store, that’s step one. You’ll need to apply with the USDA’s Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) to become an authorized retailer.
Once approved, make sure your Clover device is EBT-compatible (spoiler alert: many are, including the Clover Mini, Clover Flex, and Clover Duo with the right setup).
2. Get Listed on DoorDash
Reach out to DoorDash or apply through the DoorDash Merchant portal to list your store. Make sure to highlight that you carry SNAP-eligible grocery items.
If you’re already on DoorDash, contact their support or account manager to enable EBT payment options for eligible products.
3. Sync Your Clover System
Use Clover’s App Market to integrate with delivery platforms. Apps like It’s a Checkmate, Order Kiosk, and DoorDash Drive make this process smooth. If you need help, VMS can set this up for you and make sure everything runs like a dream.
4. Market Your New EBT Delivery Option
Now the fun part: let your customers know! Put up signs in-store, promote it on social media, and email your customer list. Many of your regulars might not even know that EBT can be used for delivery—or that your store now offers it.
A Missed Opportunity—or a Massive Win?
Look, the bottom line is this: DoorDash accepting EBT is happening. It’s already here. And if you’re a grocery or convenience store owner, you’ve got two options:
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Let your competitors figure it out first and scoop up all those loyal delivery customers
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Or jump on this early, integrate your Clover system, and become the go-to spot in your area for SNAP-friendly delivery
The choice is yours—but the opportunity is real.
Final Thoughts
Food delivery isn’t just a luxury anymore—it’s becoming a standard. With DoorDash now accepting EBT for SNAP-eligible items, small grocery and convenience stores are in a unique position to grow their customer base, boost revenue, and serve their communities in a deeper, more meaningful way.
By combining the power of Clover POS with DoorDash and EBT, you’re not just accepting a new payment method—you’re embracing the future of food access and convenience.
And when you’re ready to make the leap? Velocity Merchant Services has your back. We’ll help you get set up to accept EBT, integrate Clover with DoorDash, and grow your delivery business faster than you can say, “Order up!”
