Chico Grocery Outlet

Review: Did not honor EDD coverage on live herb plant.

I check out with the checker who I believe is named [redacted]. He has worked there for awhile now. I was nervous checking out with him because its always uncomfortable. The last time he got on to my children 11/12 who was helping me load food on the strip. Stating they were to young to load food. On this day, I didnt have a choice to go through his line or not. I try to avoid his line. I bought 7 rosemary plants with my other groceries. I asked if he could check if they were covered under EDD. He stated with a sigh, " Ma'am, I can try but I can tell you it wont be covered" I then told him "I bought 3 live fruit trees here last week and they were covered. Im sure they will be". He then stated "See that (insert letter) next to the price? Theres no reason for me to check because that tells me it wont be covered". He refused to check for me. Instead he made a production. Rolling his eyes and sighing. His voice is very loud and travels. I was embarrassed! I understand EDD is here to help me, because I lost my job a few months ago. But that doesnt mean I want other people to know I use it. It is a pride thing. I counted 11 people around that were now looking at us and who now know Im on goverment assistant. How red I became. One reason they issued the card, and removed the paper form of food stamps, was to remove situations like this. The worker behind him also found it strange that the rosemary was not covered and stated it should have been. In the end I ended up having to pay $60.00. I am a single mother of two and didnt have that. At that point I was embarrassed that others were looking and rolling their eyes because it was taking so long. I wanted to just leave. I didnt even get a thank you from him as I finished and he refused to look at me. I have noticed his personality is a bit off and if you do one thing that is not up to his standards he becomes short with you. That is not good customer service. I am not a loud person, infact I am told to speak up because my voice is so low. I am not use to being treated like I am stupid, as he made me feel. I came home and researched the law and this is what I found.. "Many low-income gardeners who receive food stamps are completely unaware that, in all fifty states, food stamp benefits can be used to purchase live plants and seeds for growing food at home. Government case workers often fail to notify food stamp recipients of this perk, so many people are unaware that they can take advantage of this excellent opportunity to enjoy a fun, healthy hobby while decreasing their dependence on government programs." My tomatoe plants are covered, my herbs at other stores have been covered and the fruit trees I bought from this store was covered. Rosmarinus officinalis, commonly known as rosemary, is a woody, perennial herb. Thus, should have been covered. Desired Settlement: Refund in Cash for the amount I had to pay. I would like the workers to be educated what is covered by EDD. A review of customer service skills is also needed within the store, especially with [redacted].

Business

Response:

Business' Initial Response

Company states they've tried calling the consumer several times, and left message. The consumer is welcome to call, email or come into the store to get her issues resolved. We have several managers here who can address her issue and explain why this is not a covered item.