Takoma Park Silver Spring Co-op (TPSS) in Takoma Park, Md., recently secured a grant that enables them to offer 50% off all produce purchased with an EBT card.

Prior to the pandemic, SNAP sales contributed between 0.5% and 1% of TPSS sales. During the pandemic, the need for additional food assistance grew considerably (nationally, SNAP sales jumped from $55 billion in 2019 to $79 billion in 2020 and $125 billion in 2021).

In spring of 2020, Crossroads Community Food Network — a local organization that works to strengthen the local food system — approached TPSS to encourage them to apply for a project waiver with the USDA. The project waiver was used to run a pilot where TPSS matched spending on produce for SNAP recipients through grant funds. TPSS continued matching spending after grant funds ran out through donations and customers rounding up at the register.

“We decided to focus on produce for providing food assistance because that’s usually the biggest expense [for shoppers],” said Chloe Thompson, TPSS community engagement manager.

In 2022, Crossroads and TPSS applied for GusNIP funds. TPSS General Manager Mike Houston worked closely with Crossroads on the application process. The pilot program has been a success. Between 2019 and 2022, SNAP purchases from the produce department have grown 12-fold. SNAP sales are now 3% of TPSS’ total store sales.

Read more about TPSS’ efforts to relieve food insecurity here.