Updated Monday, November 03, 2025

As Greensboro’s local food co-op, we at Deep Roots Market have a deep concern for all members of our community. We have been closely monitoring the looming funding crisis for SNAP and other critical government assistance programs as a result of the ongoing government shutdown.

Update: In an unprecedented decision, the current administration and USDA announced today that they will provide only half of the normal SNAP benefits for November, and that recipients are not likely to see the payments immediately. This decision harms the most vulnerable members of our communities and throws into panic the nearly 42 million families and individuals who rely on these crucial programs to put food on their tables.

We continue to have numerous concerned customers asking what Deep Roots is doing in response to this, and what they can do to help. First and foremost, we want to direct folks to donate whatever they are able (food, time, funds) to local food pantries, as these vital organizations will be on the front lines assisting those facing the greatest needs. We regularly work with Food Not Bombs and Out of the Garden Project, and you can find additional organizations listed in the resources below.

We remain committed to our LIMe (Low Income Membership) Program, which has been helping to make healthy, nutritious, quality food and products more accessible to those in our community needing additional assistance, by offering an everyday discount at the Co-op since its launch in 2018. To qualify for our LIMe Program, an individual or family just needs to be eligible for EBT (which includes recipients of SNAP, TANF, SUN Bucks, and other assistance programs), WIC, SSDI/SSI, or the Guilford Community Care Network Orange Card. 

Update: As a result of the administration’s failure to adequately fund SNAP benefits, we are increasing our LIMe discount percentage to 25% effective immediately, until full SNAP funding resumes. We have also dropped the annual membership fee associated with joining LIMe, and those wishing to join or renew will only need to present their physical card or paperwork as qualification.

As a reminder, we rely solely on our shoppers who round up their total at the register and donations from members of our co-op community to help fund the LIMe Program. LIMe is already running at a deficit this year, but we still believe it’s important to double down on our Co-op Values of solidarity, social responsibility, and caring for others. We’re calling on our owners, guests, and members of our community who are able to share in this spirit of cooperation with us by increasing their round-up total when shopping or making a one-time or monthly donation to LIMe so we can continue to provide and grow this vital program.

For additional resources, to learn more about LIMe, or to make a secure online donation, see the links provided below. Together, we can uphold our cooperative values by centering compassion, equity, and community when and where it’s needed most.

Community Resources

FindHelp.org

Guilford County Food Security Hub

Food Not Bombs Greensboro

Out of the Garden Project

Greensboro Urban Ministry

Second Harvest Food Bank

Mustard Seed Community Health

Deep Roots LIMe Program

Information About LIMe

Donate to LIMe

At Deep Roots Market, you — our Owners — are the foundation of everything we do. Your dedication, participation, and shared values have allowed us to serve the Greensboro community for 50 years with integrity, local ownership, and a strong cooperative spirit.

As many of you know, Deep Roots Market operates under a set Cooperative Principles which guide cooperatives around the world:

• Voluntary & Open Ownership
• Democratic Owner Control
• Owner Economic Participation
• Autonomy & Independence
• Education, Training & Information
• Cooperation Among Cooperatives
• Concern for Community
• Diversity, Equity & Inclusion

These principles ensure that we remain locally controlled, locally invested, and deeply connected to the well-being of our community. Every Owner share represents not just equity in a store, but a personal investment in the health of our local economy, sustainable food systems, and community development.

Why an Increase is Needed

Since the late 1980s, the cost of an ownership share at Deep Roots Market has remained steady at $100. If that share price had simply followed inflation, it would now be approximately $270. While we have managed to keep ownership accessible for decades, the costs of operating a thriving, community-owned business, from infrastructure and capital improvements to vendor support and staff development, have continued to rise.

In a recent Owner survey, 86% of respondents expressed support for increasing the ownership share price to better reflect today’s economic reality while maintaining the financial health and sustainability of the Co-op. After careful consideration, and with input from you, our Owners, the Board of Directors has approved an increase:

Effective January 1, 2026, the cost of a Deep Roots Owner Share will increase from $100 to $160.

Important Notes:

• This increase only applies to new Owner shares purchased on or after January 1, 2026.
• Current Owners who have already purchased a share remain fully vested at the original $100 share price.
• This decision allows us to maintain fiscal responsibility while continuing to provide the high-quality products, community programming, and cooperative values you expect from Deep Roots.

Staying True to Our Mission

This modest increase reflects our responsibility to maintain a viable business model while remaining accessible and inclusive. Unlike many businesses, Deep Roots Market is not owned by outside investors or distant corporations, we are owned entirely by our local community.

By strengthening our capital base through updated share pricing, we can continue to:

• Support local farmers, producers, and artisans.
• Maintain and improve our store facilities.
• Offer education and outreach programs.
• Preserve the unique cooperative model that makes Deep Roots special.
• Sustain long-term stability for future generations of Owners.

On behalf of the Board of Directors, thank you for your continued trust, engagement, and ownership. Together, we will continue building a strong, resilient, and community-centered Deep Roots Market.

If you have any questions or would like more information, please don’t hesitate to contact us or attend one of our upcoming Owner meetings.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Why is Deep Roots Market increasing the Owner Share price?

The cost of an ownership share has remained at $100 since the late 1980s. If the price had kept pace with inflation, it would be approximately $270 today. Increasing the share price to $160 helps ensure the Co-op has sufficient capital to maintain financial stability, make necessary store improvements, and continue supporting our local economy and community.

2. How was this decision made?

The Board of Directors carefully considered financial data, long-term sustainability, and feedback from our Owners. In a recent Owner survey, 86% of respondents supported the increase. After thorough review, the Board voted to approve the increase.

3. Who will this price increase affect?

Only new Owners joining the Co-op on or after January 1, 2026, will pay the new share price of $160. Current Owners who have already purchased a share at $100 remain fully vested and will not be asked to contribute additional funds.

4. Why not raise the price to match inflation?

The Board aims to balance financial responsibility with accessibility. While inflation suggests a much higher share price, $160 was selected as a moderate increase that supports financial stability while keeping ownership attainable for most community members.

5. What is the Owner Share used for?

Owner Shares provide essential capital for store operations, facility maintenance, upgrades, and special projects that support the Co-op's long-term sustainability. Owner capital is a cornerstone of our cooperative model and helps ensure our independence and community control.

6. Is this a one-time payment or an annual fee?

The Owner Share is a one-time equity investment. There are no annual fees to maintain ownership.

7. Will there be more increases in the future?

Any future increases would be carefully evaluated by the Board of Directors based on financial needs, business conditions, and Owner input.

8. Where can I get more information or ask questions?

Owners are always welcome to reach out to the Board of Directors or management with questions. You may also attend upcoming Owner meetings for open discussion.

October is Co-op Month and co-ops are getting major international attention from the UN this year: They declared 2025 as the International Year of Cooperatives! In today’s world where corporate decisions are governed by profits and individualism is the norm, cooperation is truly radical. Now is the time to lift up the people-centered businesses at the heart of our communities and economies.

Under the theme “The Future is Cooperative,” this year’s Co-op Month is an opportunity to envision a cooperative future. The United Nations International Year of Cooperatives 2025 (IYC 2025) was launched at the ICA Global Cooperative Conference and General Assembly held in New Delhi in June 2024. The conference attracted around 3,000 delegates from over 100 countries who discussed how cooperatives build prosperity for all.

IYC 2025 highlights cooperatives’ contributions to sustainable development across social, economic and environmental dimensions and emphasizes the unique ability of cooperatives to foster inclusive growth and strengthen community resilience. According to the United Nations General Assembly, the resolution “notably focuses on the capacity for cooperatives to drive inclusive development, particularly in developing countries. It recognizes the role of cooperatives in promoting the economic status and capacity building of women and the wellbeing of vulnerable and marginalized people.”

Co-ops continue to be organized by communities across the U.S. and the world, anywhere people are interested in exercising more control over the kind of products and services they’re able to buy.

• There are more than 30,000 cooperative businesses in the U.S.
• The food co-op communities across the country that own National Co+op Grocers (NCG) work together collectively to strengthen our ability to positively impact our food system and grow the cooperative economy in an inclusive and environmentally regenerative manner.
• Thirty seven percent of food co-ops’ sales come from organic products (compared to 3% at conventional grocers), and 24% of sales at co-ops are from local products (as opposed to 2% at conventional grocers).
• Annually, $9 million was collectively donated to local community organizations by NCG co-ops.
• Co-ops work within our supply chain and industry and with the federal government to advocate for product labeling, disclosure of potentially harmful ingredients or contaminants, and protections for workers within our supply chain.

Want to know more about how to support cooperatives? Here are a few ideas:

• Look for the Co-op Trade signs around food co-ops to find cooperatively owned brands.
• Learn more about the history of food cooperatives.
• Read the Cooperative Values and Principles, which serve as guidelines to provide a democratic structure for co-ops around the world.
• Find a co-op near you and start shopping there!

Celebrate fall with Apple Stuffed Pumpkins — crisp apples, syrup, granola, and cinnamon baked in a pie pumpkin. Top with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream for added sweetness!

Two great harvest-time foods bake together for a comforting fall dessert. Buy the smallest mini-pumpkins you can find (about the size of a grapefruit), or substitute small sweet dumpling squash. Pumpkins become lush, edible bowls for apple pie filling, sweetened lightly with maple syrup. For a sweet finish, top with a dollop of whipped cream or a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Total Time: 1 hour; 20 minutes active | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 mini-pumpkins
• 4 large apples, peeled and chopped
• 1/4 cup maple syrup
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon vanilla
• 1 pinch salt
• 1/2 cup granola
• Ice cream or whipped cream

Preparation

• Preheat the oven to 400 F. Lightly oil a pan large enough to hold the pumpkins upright.
• Slice the off tops of the pumpkins, creating little caps to put on top of the pumpkins once they’re filled. Scoop out the seeds and pulp and discard. Place the pumpkins in the prepared pan.
• In a medium bowl, mix the apples, maple syrup, cinnamon, vanilla, salt and granola. Stuff the apple filing into the hollowed-out pumpkins. If they are not completely full, top off with a bit of extra granola.
• Bake for 35 to 40 minutes, until the pumpkins are tender when pierced with a knife.
• Cool slightly on a rack before serving with ice cream or whipped cream. Top with reserved pumpkin caps.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve for dessert after any autumn meal that needs a fun finish!

Nutritional Information

370 calories, 2 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 250 mg. sodium, 85 g. carbohydrate, 14 g. fiber, 8 g. protein 

Total Time: 50 minutes; 20 minutes active | Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 6 large carrots
• 3 tablespoons olive oil, divided
• 1 tablespoon finely-chopped fresh ginger
• Zest from 1 large orange
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse salt
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Preparation

• Heat the oven to 400°F. Slice the carrots lengthwise into thin planks, then stack and slice into sticks, about 1/4 by 1/4 inches or thinner. Place the carrot strips on a sheet pan with a rim and sprinkle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, the ginger, and half of the zest. Add coarse salt and toss to coat. Roast for 30 minutes, stirring after 15. The carrots are done when they are tender when pierced with a knife and lightly browned on the edges. Cooking time will vary according to thickness.
• While the carrots cook, mix the remaining olive oil, orange zest, parsley and red pepper flakes in a small bowl. To serve, toss carrots with the olive oil mixture.

Serving Suggestion

• Serve on top of or alongside cooked salmon fillets for a main dish, or place leftover cold soba noodles in a bowl, add the carrot “noodles” and drizzle with Thai peanut sauce.

Tips & Notes

• Buy the widest carrots you can find for this dish, because they will be easiest to slice.
• If your co-op sells a spiralized carrot “noodle,” or even spiralized squash, you can use it for this recipe; reduce the roasting time if you’re using summer squash “noodles.”

Nutritional Information

170 calories, 11 g. fat, 0 mg. cholesterol, 370 mg. sodium, 20 g. carbohydrate, 7 g. fiber, 2 g. protein