Roseburg Grocery Outlet offers discount to combat potential SNAP pause
As the federal shutdown threatens SNAP funding, Roseburg’s Grocery Outlet is offering a 10% discount to SNAP users through November and hosting food drives to support local families. Owners Stephen and Kelly Burton say it’s their way of helping neighbors make ends meet during tough times.
ROSEBURG, Ore. — As the federal government shutdown stretches toward a month and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) remains uncertain, Roseburg’s Grocery Outlet is stepping up to help families who rely on food benefits.
Starting Nov. 1, the locally owned store is offering a 10% discount to customers using SNAP benefits. Owners Stephen and Kelly Burton said they wanted to do something tangible to help ease the strain on families affected by potential delays or stoppages in SNAP payments.
“Oregon’s average SNAP participation is around 18%, so this affects not just those using EBT, but also local businesses that rely on that spending,” Stephen Burton said. “This way we can still help people make ends meet.”
Kelly Burton added that the store’s decision is rooted in community care: “Our kids went to school here. We see it every day, so anything we can do to make our community a better place, we’d like to do that.”
The discount will run throughout November, funded entirely from the store’s marketing and promotion budget.
In addition, the Burtons are partnering with the Department of Human Services and Family Faith and Relationship Advocates to host food drives on Nov. 4 and 5, with donations benefiting FISH Food Pantry and the Roseburg Dream Center.
The move comes amid widespread concern about food insecurity across Douglas County, where one in three children are considered food insecure, according to county health data.
Local shoppers expressed frustration over the federal government’s handling of the situation. “I know a lot of people who depend on those benefits,” said Dennis Moore, a longtime Roseburg resident. “When you’re caring for kids and can’t work, it’s not an option to just ‘work harder.’ Our government needs to do better.”
While the shutdown continues to threaten essential programs, community-driven efforts like this one offer a reminder of the local spirit that keeps Douglas County strong, neighbors helping neighbors, one meal at a time.
Comments ()