STATEN ISLAND, NY – In an effort to support community wellness, Stop & Shop has announced that it will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco in all of its supermarkets on August 31.
“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 achieve better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, president of Stop & Shop, in a press release. “From our team of board-certified dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy associates, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and well-being of the neighborhoods we serve – and this exit from the tobacco business is another way to achieve that goal.”
To support this initiative, the company is holding two cigarette buyback events on August 28 in neighborhoods within the brand’s service area that have “higher rates of smoking and higher rates of smoking-related health problems.” One of these locations was named as the store at 1351 Forest Avenue in Port Richmond.
The first 100 customers to bring in an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes for exchange will receive a Stop & Shop gift card and a bag of healthy snacks, mints and smoking cessation materials created in partnership with the American Cancer Society. Nicorette coupons will also be provided.
“We are pleased to partner with Stop & Shop as they have committed to eliminating the sale of all tobacco products in their stores,” said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. “This is a step in the right direction to end the tobacco industry’s influence on children, and we know more can be done to reduce the impact of tobacco use in our communities.”
Stop & Shop currently operates more than 350 stores in five states – Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey and Rhode Island. There are currently five locations on Staten Island – Eltingville, New Springville, New Dorp, Port Richmond and Bulls Head.
“The health of our communities is a priority and quitting smoking significantly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Our licensed pharmacists can help you quit smoking and provide vaccination recommendations for people whose immune systems may be weakened by smoking,” said Katie Thornell, pharmacy manager at Stop & Shop. “We welcome anyone who wants to quit smoking to see one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists who partner with our customers to support their needs at a time that is convenient for them.”
