A TGI Friday's restaurant in Toms River, New Jersey.

As millions of Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) await their partial November benefits, some companies have stepped up to help provide relief.

While regular federal funding continues to run dry amid the government shutdown, two federal judges ruled on Oct. 31 that President Donald Trump's administration must tap into contingency funds to issue partial SNAP payments for November.

However, the nearly 42 million low-income Americans who rely on the program for money to buy groceries shouldn't expect aid immediately. Because the SNAP program has never issued partial payments, it could take states days, weeks or even months to reprogram their systems to render benefits, U.S. Department of Agriculture official Patrick Penn said in federal court.

In the interim, some restaurants, grocers and other businesses around the country are offering discounts to SNAP recipients. Here's the latest list.

Where can SNAP recipients get discounted groceries?

  • Instacart: 50% off — up to a $50 discount — on one grocery orderHow it works: Instacart customers who used EBT SNAP benefits to get groceries delivered at any point in October will receive a personal discount code via email to redeem the offer. The offer can be redeemed nationwide at any Instacart store that accepts SNAP payments.
  • Gopuff: $50 total off two grocery ordersHow it works: Gopuff users who add a SNAP EBT card to their account can redeem the offer using a discount code for $25 off two orders of SNAP-eligible items throughout November. From Nov. 1-15: Use code SNAPRELIEF1 at checkout. From Nov. 16-30: Use code SNAPRELIEF2 at checkout.
  • DoorDash: Delivery fees waived on one orderHow it works: DoorDash customers who have a SNAP/EBT card linked to their profile can access the deal using the promo code SNAPDD at checkout when placing an order at eligible stores. See the complete list of eligible stores:

Restaurant deals for SNAP recipients

Dozens of independent restaurants around the country — from a burger spot in Florida to a vegan cafe in Oregon — have launched free or discounted meal offers for SNAP recipients. To find deals in your area, be sure to check social media pages, including Facebook groups and local news outlets, for information.

As for national chains, TGI Fridays confirmed to USA TODAY that from Nov. 6-20, it is offering SNAP recipients one complimentary kids meal with each adult entrée purchase ($10 minimum) at participating U.S. locations.

After Nov. 20, the offer will continue every Tuesday until the end of the year. To redeem the offer, customers must dine in at participating TGI Fridays and present a valid EBT card.

Olive Garden, Popeyes, Red Lobster debunk SNAP deal claims

Several nationwide restaurant chains, though, are cautioning customers about false social media claims that they are offering deals for SNAP recipients.

Red Lobster refuted a social media post that said it was offering EBT cardholders a free seafood boil.

"This is not a legitimate Red Lobster offer and will not be honored in our restaurants. Stay connected with us on our social media accounts for real offers and promotions," Red Lobster said on X.

Similar posts also circulated about free meals at Olive Garden and Popeyes. Both restaurants confirmed to USA TODAY that they are not currently offering such deals.

"The recent claims suggesting Popeyes is offering free meals for SNAP recipients are not accurate and are not associated to any official Popeyes program," Popeyes said in a statement to USA TODAY. "We understand that many individuals and families are navigating SNAP impacts, and we’re actively exploring ways to provide meaningful support to those communities."

Olive Garden confirmed the image circulating on social media "is not real."

Food banks, grocery buddy programs available

Food banks and organizations across the country also offer free or discounted food.

For instance, check Feeding America's website to find your local food bank. Free apps like FoodFinder and Plentiful also provide information about resources available in your local area.

Also, be sure to check local Facebook and social media pages – many people are offering help for neighbors facing food insecurity through "grocery buddy" programs.

Non-food discounts for SNAP recipients

Aside from food deals, parents impacted by the SNAP funding lapse are also eligible for these deals on infant formula.

  • Bobbie: Discounted organic infant formulaHow it works: New customers who upload their SNAP eligibility letter here can purchase one can of Bobbie’s organic infant formula for $14 plus $3.50 in shipping, or three cans for $42 plus $8.50 in shipping. Purchases cannot be made with EBT.
  • ByHeart: Up to three months of infant formulaHow it works: ByHeart is sending up to 3 months of its infant formula to up to 400 families affected by the government shutdown. Fill out the online form to apply.

Melina Khan is a national trending reporter for USA TODAY. She can be reached at melina.khan@usatoday.com.

Contributing: Mary Walrath-Holdridge, USA TODAY

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Where can SNAP recipients find food deals amid shutdown disruption?

Reporting by Melina Khan, USA TODAY / USA TODAY

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