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.