Cash-strapped Greeks line up to buy discounted potatoes at the University of Thessaloniki.

Professors and students here decided to cut out the middleman by connecting farmers with needy consumers.

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) PROFESSOR AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI'S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, CHRISTOS KAMINIDIS SAYING:

"During this crucial period where people have problems, we will do whatever we can do so they can buy basic food products at lower prices. I think this would be a great benefit to them."

The potatoes cost 5 euro per 20 kilo bag, about a third of the price at super markets.

Greeks say the initiative is a good idea because so many have been hit by the country's debt crisis and unpopular austerity measures across the country.

(SOUNDBITE) (Greek) STUDENT AT THE UNIVERSITY OF THESSALONIKI'S SCHOOL OF AGRICULTURE, DIMITRIS STATHOPOULOS SAYING:

"Products come straight from the producers to the consumers without using middlemen. That way, we can ensure very low prices for consumers and a good price for producers so that they can have an income."

Around 50 tons of potatoes were sold in just four hours.

The idea of connecting food producers and consumers took off last week thanks to a local activist group.

Several other communities are planning to run similar programs and include other necessary foodstuffs.

Jessica Gray, Reuters