Stop & Shop stops selling tobacco

Grocery chain Stop & Shop has announced that it will stop selling tobacco products in all of its stores by August 31. The decision, which affects stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, is part of the company’s commitment to the common good.

Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, said, according to GlobeNewswire: “Our responsibility as a grocer extends far beyond our shelves, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our associates, customers and communities work toward better health outcomes.”

In addition to ending tobacco sales, Stop & Shop will host two cigarette buyback events at its Grove Hall, Boston, and Staten Island, New York, stores. 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 is also partnering with the American Cancer Society on 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, Head of Pharmacy at Stop & Shop, recommends that anyone who wants to quit smoking should contact one of her specially trained pharmacists for support.