Walmart and McDonald’s aren’t the SNAP kings anymore — Uber, Lyft and DoorDash lead in workers on food stamps

In 2025, gig economy platforms like DoorDash, Lyft and Uber have emerged as the leading employers of workers receiving government assistance, specifically through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This marks a significant shift from 2020 when Walmart and McDonald's were at the forefront of employing workers on SNAP.

Despite the common perception that gig work is a supplementary source of income, these jobs are increasingly becoming the primary means of livelihood for many gig workers, who often struggle to meet their basic needs and healthcare expenses. According to a Michigan survey conducted by a researcher in urban politics, 22% of respondents had engaged in gig work, and nearly half of these individuals considered gig work essential or crucial for meeting their basic requirements.

While major gig platforms often advertise their flexible nature, the study reveals that gig workers commonly confront challenges such as pay transparency, lack of benefits, and overall income unpredictability. As a result, these platforms are inadvertently pushing workers towards government assistance programs, such as Medicaid, to compensate for their insufficient earnings.

The massive surge in Medicaid enrollment among gig workers underscores the urgent need for addressing the precarious nature of gig work and the reliance on taxpayer-funded safety nets.