Food Access Programs
at GreenStar Food Co-op
FLOWER
Fresh, Local, Organic, Within Everyone's Reach
GreenStar’s healthy food access discount program is designed to make natural, wholesome food and eco-friendly products more affordable to all members of our community.
FLOWER means more people in our community coming together and supporting a dynamic locally-owned cooperative committed to offering healthier food choices, promoting social justice and protecting the planet.
With FLOWER, everyone benefits – our community, our Co-op, and our planet. To qualify for the 13% FLOWER discount, you must currently receive assistance from one of the following programs:
- SNAP (accepted at GreenStar!)
- Unemployment
- Pell Grant
- Housing Choice Voucher
- Medicaid (not Medicare)
- WIC (accepted at GreenStar Cascadilla!)
- Free School Lunch Program (not Reduced School Lunch)
- TANF – Cash Assistance (accepted at GreenStar!)
- Healthy Food For All
- Supplement Security Insurance (SSI) or Supplemental Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) (not Social Security Benefits)
- FLOWER Community Partners – see back of FLOWER application for full list.
If you’ve never been a GreenStar Co-op Member-Owner, you will receive a one-year, free trial ownership. To continue your membership after the first year, you’ll need to make the remaining $5 annual owner equity payment until you reach the full equity investment of $90, or leave the Co-op. Current members who need support affording their annual equity installment payments can request financial assistance by completing and submitting a Solidarity Membership Fund Request Form.
Do I need to join GreenStar before I apply?
No. If you’ve never been a GreenStar member-owner and qualify for FLOWER, you’ll receive a one-year trial membership. Your member card will be mailed to you with your FLOWER approval letter.
How do I apply?
Applications are available at all GreenStar store locations and linked on this page, above. Qualifying documentation is shown at the time of application, and your discount will be activated within 7 days. You’ll receive notification of program approval via US mail or email.
How long does the FLOWER discount last?
The discount expires after one year. FLOWER participants must keep their annual membership payments up to date and also reapply annually for the FLOWER program. Reapplication reminder letters are issued one month before discount expiration.
Who can use my GreenStar membership and FLOWER discount?
Only you! All GreenStar memberships are individual memberships and cannot be shared with other adults, including spouses, partners, and housemates. Adult members of your household can apply for their own membership and FLOWER discount.
What products don’t qualify for a FLOWER discount?
While most items receive the 13% FLOWER discount, including Co+op Basics, supplements, and prepared foods, the FLOWER discount doesn’t apply to products within GreenStar’s sales programs: Co+op Deals, Owner Deals, and Flash Sales. In addition, alcohol does not receive the FLOWER discount.
Who should I contact for more information?
For more information, contact Member-Owner Services (membership@greenstar.coop) or call the Membership Department at 607-273-9392, ext. 126.
Double Up Food Bucks New York
GreenStar is proud to partner with Field & Fork Network to become the only grocery retailer in the Finger Lakes area to offer Double Up Food Bucks NY! Everyone receiving SNAP benefits is eligible! If you have an active SNAP EBT Card you can use this program. Ask at the Co-op about signing up for a GreenStar membership to receive our 13% FLOWER discount on most Co-op purchases, and start earning DUFB dollars. Once you are enrolled in FLOWER, it’s time to start earning and redeeming Double Up Food Bucks!.
Step 1: Enroll! If you aren’t already a GreenStar member, join for free through FLOWER. Ask staff how!
Step 2: Shop! Buy fresh produce at any GreenStar Food Co+op location using your SNAP EBT card.
Step 3: Earn! Spend $1 on fresh produce at the Co-op, earn $1 in DUFB, up to $20 per day.
Step 4: Redeem! Any time you visit the Co-op, you can choose to redeem your DUFB to pay for fresh produce.
Spend $1, Earn $1
Earn up to $20 per day in FREE fresh produce!
How do I sign-up for Double Up Food Bucks?
At GreenStar, all FLOWER participants are automatically enrolled in Double Up Food Bucks, but only members with an EBT card and active SNAP benefits can use the program. In addition to DUFB, FLOWER participants receive a 13% discount on most purchases. Ask a cashier or download the FLOWER application on GreenStar’s website to sign up today!
How do I earn and spend Double Up Food Bucks?
When you buy Double Up eligible items with SNAP, your purchase is automatically matched $1 for $1 (up to $20 a day across all three stores) and logged through your membership account. Spend Double Up earned by asking the cashier to ring up eligible items using DUFB. All available DUFB will be used to cover DUFB-eligible purchases.
What products can I earn and spend Double Up Food Bucks on?
Double Up can only be earned and spent on eligible items such as fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, and produce-bearing plants. DUFB are earned automatically when SNAP is used to buy eligible items. Items that are not eligible for DUFB include salad bar, juices, canned and frozen fruits and vegetables, and all non-produce items.
Does Double Up Food Bucks expire?
Double Up earned expires after one year if unused. If you no longer receive SNAP benefits, you will no longer be able to earn DUFB, but can continue to spend
previously earned DUFB.
Does Double Up Food Bucks match WIC?
No, WIC purchases are not eligible. WIC is accepted at GreenStar Cascadilla, and qualifies you to receive the FLOWER discount! Learn more about FLOWER here.
How do I know my balance?
Your balance is printed on your receipt. You can also ask cashiers for your balance before or during your transaction.
What if I need a refund?
GreenStar will accept returns within 30 days of purchase. Purchases made using SNAP EBT can only be refunded to the SNAP card used at the time of purchase. Your DUFB balance will be adjusted accordingly. DUFB are not refundable for cash nor are they transferable. DUFB will expire after 1 year of inactivity.
What if I do not have SNAP (food stamps) or an EBT Card?
If you live in New York, call Hunger Solutions NY (800) 865-5542 for more information.
Solidarity Membership
GreenStar’s Solidarity Fund ensures that individuals with low income can access nourishing food and participate in the cooperative. Individuals who are eligible for GreenStar’s FLOWER program are also eligible to have their annual equity payment paid for by GreenStar’s Solidarity Fund.
What is the Solidarity Fund?
The Solidarity Fund is an indivisible pool of revolving Co-op equity that is used to support the annual equity payments of eligible individuals to join and maintain their Co-op membership.
Who can use the Solidarity Funds?
Individuals who are eligible for GreenStar’s FLOWER food access discount program are eligible for Solidarity Fund member equity payments. Eligible individuals can request Solidarity Funds here. Check the FLOWER brochure to see if you are eligible for FLOWER, or visit the top of this page.
Why did GreenStar establish a Solidarity Membership Program?
GreenStar’s Solidarity Membership Program exists in an effort to create an inclusive and supportive co-op community. We commit to making our food co-op a welcoming place for all to shop and work. The Solidarity Fund builds on the cooperative tradition of mutual aid by allowing individuals to support community members with limited incomes, and increasing access to co-op membership.
Where do Solidarity Funds come from?
The Solidarity Fund is funded by our members and other community members who contribute equity to the Fund. Individuals can contribute directly to the Solidarity Fund at any time, any register (online option coming soon!). When individuals elect to withdraw their membership from GreenStar, they can choose to give their paid-in equity to the Solidarity Fund rather than having their equity refunded to themselves.
What if a membership expires while the Solidarity Membership is being processed?
Solidarity Membership requests can take up to two weeks to process. Current members of GreenStar who plan to request Solidarity Membership should submit their requests at least two weeks before their membership expiration date. No refunds will be given for discounts or deals missed if one’s membership expires while awaiting funds.
What happens to allocated Solidarity Funds when some with Solidarity Membership leaves the Co-op?
If a member with Solidarity Funds allocated to their membership withdraws their membership, the value of the Solidarity Funds that were allocated to their membership will be reallocated to the Solidarity Fund pool, contributing to community wealth-building over time, and supporting other Co-op members in need.
What if a Member received Solidarity Member Payments, but can now afford to make their own equity payments?
A member whose equity payments were supported by the Solidarity Fund can make their own equity payments at any time. If they wish to reallocate their Solidarity Fund payments back into the Solidarity Fund to support fellow cooperators, they can do so by contacting Member-Owner Services at 607.273.9392 ext. 126 or membership@greenstar.coop.
Other Questions?
Please contact Member-Owner Services at 607.273.9392, ext.126 or membership@greenstar.coop.