Grocery chain Stop & Shop has announced plans to discontinue the sale of tobacco products in all its stores by August 31. The decision, which affects stores across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, and New Jersey, is part of the company's commitment to community wellness.
Stop & Shop President, Gordon Reid, stated, "Our responsibility as a grocer goes far beyond our aisles, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers, and communities work towards better health outcomes."according to GlobeNewswire.
In addition to ending tobacco sales, Stop & Shop will host two cigarette buyback events at their Grove Hall, Boston, and Staten Island, New York locations. Customers who bring in an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes will receive a Stop & Shop gift card, a bag of healthy snacks, and smoking cessation materials.
The company has also partnered with the American Cancer Society in this initiative. Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, expressed her support for Stop & Shop's decision.
Katie Thornell, Stop & Shop Director of Pharmacy, encouraged those looking to quit smoking to meet with one of their specially trained pharmacists for support.