At Nature’s Storehouse, our mission has always been to make healthy, local, and organic food accessible to everyone in our community. Many of you have taken advantage of the Double Up Food Bucks (DUFB) program, which has allowed EBT customers to earn matching dollars for fresh produce through loyalty cards. However, starting October 1st, 2024, there are significant changes coming to the program, and we want to be transparent about why this is happening.
While we believe this change can help simplify things for you, it’s important to know that this shift is being required by the DUFB team. Their decision is due to the expiration of the grant that has funded the current program model. This is not a change we chose, but it’s one we’re moving forward with to continue supporting our customers as much as possible.
What’s Changing?
As of October 1st, we will no longer be able to offer the Double Up Food Bucks loyalty card program. Instead, the DUFB team is transitioning us to an automatic 50% discount on SNAP purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables. This new system will replace the card-based matching dollars with a simpler model, but it also comes with limitations.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Automatic 50% discount on produce: Starting October 1st, any SNAP purchases of fresh fruits and vegetables will receive an automatic 50% discount at checkout, with no need for a loyalty card or sign-up.
- Maximum discount of $20 per day: The discount will apply to your purchase up to a maximum of $20 per day. For example, if you spend $40 or more on fresh produce, you’ll get a $20 discount.
- End of the loyalty card system: After September 30th, your DUFB loyalty card will no longer be accepted at our store. We strongly encourage you to use any remaining balance on your DUFB card by this date.
Why Is This Change Happening?
The DUFB team is moving away from the loyalty card model because the grant funding that supported it is coming to an end. This funding allowed the program to offer customers the flexibility of earning and redeeming matching dollars at their convenience. Unfortunately, with the grant expiring, the DUFB program had to make adjustments to continue offering benefits to SNAP customers, even if in a more limited capacity.
This is not a decision we made as a store, but rather one that’s been implemented by the DUFB team across select locations. While the automatic discount will still offer valuable savings, we know this change may feel abrupt for some of you, and we share your frustration over losing the flexibility the loyalty card provided.
What Should You Do Before October 1st?
If you have a balance on your DUFB loyalty card, please spend it before September 30th, 2024, as we will no longer be able to accept the cards after that date. You can check your balance at the register, or call the DUFB hotline at (800) 682-5016 for assistance.
After October 1st, the automatic discount will kick in, so there’s no need to worry about signing up for anything new. When you use your EBT card to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, you’ll receive the 50% discount up to $20 per day, instantly at checkout.
How Will This Impact Your Savings?
While this new system is more straightforward, it does have some limitations:
- Instant Savings: You’ll no longer earn matching dollars to spend later. Instead, you’ll save 50% on eligible purchases immediately.
- $20 Daily Cap: The discount is capped at $20 per day. If you’re used to building up a balance on your DUFB card to spend during larger trips, this new system may feel more restrictive.
- No Sign-Ups or Loyalty Cards: The good news is that there are fewer steps involved. You won’t need to carry an extra card or remember to check your balance—just use your EBT card, and the discount will apply automatically.
Our Commitment to You
We understand that this change is not ideal for everyone, and we want to assure you that we fought to keep the current system in place. However, the DUFB team’s decision, driven by funding constraints, is out of our hands. We’re committed to helping you navigate this transition smoothly and continue to offer the best possible support for our EBT customers.
Although the loyalty card program is ending, we’re still excited to offer significant savings through the new 50% discount on produce purchases. This change will help you stretch your SNAP benefits further, even if it looks a little different than before.
Don’t Forget to Use Your DUFB Card Balance!
If you still have funds on your DUFB loyalty card, please use them before September 30th. After that, we will no longer accept the card at Nature’s Storehouse. However, there are still a few other locations across New York that will accept the card beyond this date, including select farmers markets and grocery stores. You can find these locations by visiting the Double Up Food Bucks NY website.
We’re Here to Help
At Nature’s Storehouse, your well-being is our top priority. We know this change may take some getting used to, but we’re here to answer any questions you have. Our team is happy to walk you through the new process and help you make the most of your SNAP benefits with the updated program.
We thank you for your continued support, and we’re honored to serve you as we all navigate this transition together. Keep an eye out for the new savings beginning October 1st, and don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns.
