USDA Blocks SNAP Discount, but Roseburg Grocery Outlet Finds a Way to Help

ROSEBURG, Ore. — Roseburg Grocery Outlet is changing course in its effort to help local families impacted by the ongoing federal government shutdown, which has delayed the release of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for November.

Last week, owners Steve and Kelly Burton announced a 10 percent discount for SNAP recipients to help offset the disruption in food benefits. However, just a day later, they received notice from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) informing them that the plan could be considered discriminatory and might jeopardize their store’s license to accept EBT payments.

“We had really good intentions with setting this up to help a lot of people in need,” Steve said in a Facebook Live post on Saturday. “Unfortunately, it was a little bit against the rules to have it just for folks that are EBT eligible. USDA contacted us to let us know that we were out of bounds with that, so we're turning lemons into lemonade and going to help even more people with it.”

Rather than give up, the Burtons found another way to support the community. Starting Monday, November 3, Grocery Outlet will partner with FISH Food Pantry at 405 Jerrys Drive in Roseburg to distribute 10 percent off discount cards to anyone who asks — no income verification or identification required.

“We’re still going to be able to help a lot of people on a broader scale and bring attention to FISH Food Pantry for what they do,” Steve said Monday morning.

The partnership expands the store’s outreach beyond SNAP recipients, ensuring that anyone in the community facing food insecurity this month can benefit from the discount.

Residents can visit FISH Food Pantry during normal operating hours to receive a discount card redeemable throughout November at Roseburg Grocery Outlet.