by PORTLAND, Ore. — A small-town Oregon grocer’s act of kindness toward struggling families has been halted by federal regulators. Roseburg’s Grocery Outlet has been instructed by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to stop offering a 10% discount to shoppers using Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards.
According to a Facebook post shared by owners Steve and Kelly, the USDA warned that the store’s discount for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients was considered “discriminatory action” under federal policy — potentially putting their EBT authorization at risk.
“It was stated that it would be considered discriminatory action & would put our license to accept EBT in the future in jeopardy,” the couple wrote. “Our hearts hurt. It was never our intention to discriminate. We walk with our customers like our friends and family. We heard the concern in our community & chose to step up.”
The discount was launched earlier this month as a community response to the federal government shutdown, which began on October 1 and temporarily interrupted SNAP disbursements. However, the USDA has since allocated more than $4.5 billion in contingency funds to help cover benefits during the ongoing funding gap.
What the USDA Says
Federal law requires retailers to treat SNAP recipients the same as all other customers, meaning eligible foods must be sold “at the same prices and on the same terms and conditions.” Offering discounts only to SNAP shoppers — without an equal treatment waiver — is a violation of federal SNAP rules.
“You must offer eligible foods at the same prices and on the same terms and conditions to SNAP-EBT customers as other customers,” the rule explains. “Offering discounts or services only to SNAP paying customers is a SNAP violation unless you have a SNAP equal treatment waiver.”
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Oregon SNAP Facts
Roughly 757,000 Oregonians rely on SNAP benefits, according to Gov. Tina Kotek’s office. In Douglas County, where Roseburg is located, about 20.3% of households participate in the program.
Continuing Support
Though forced to end its own discount, the grocery store hasn’t stopped helping. The Roseburg Grocery Outlet is now partnering with the local FISH Food Pantry, which will distribute 10% discount cards to visitors throughout November.
The owners emphasized that no income, residency, or documentation is required to receive the cards.
“We’re just trying to help our community however we can,” they said.
What do you think about the USDA’s decision? Should local grocers be allowed to offer discounts to SNAP users during emergencies? Share your thoughts in the comments section.
