Quincy, Mass. (WABC) — Stop & Shop announced that it will stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products in its 360 stores.

The grocery retailer, which has stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey, plans to stop selling all tobacco products in all stores by August 31 as part of its commitment to the common good.

“Our responsibility as a grocer extends far beyond our shelves, and we are committed to taking bold steps to help our employees, customers and communities work toward better health outcomes,” said Gordon Reid, Stop & Shop President. “From our team of registered dietitians who serve our customers free of charge to our trained and trusted pharmacy staff, Stop & Shop aims to support the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve – and this tobacco cessation is another way we are achieving that goal.”

As part of its exit from the tobacco business, Stop & Shop is encouraging customers to quit smoking by holding two cigarette buyback events on August 28 at locations in neighborhoods within the brand’s catchment area that have higher rates of smoking and higher rates of smoking-related health problems.

At both events, the first 100 customers who hand 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 Stop & Shops long-time partners, the American Cancer Society and its advocacy partner, the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network (ACS CAN), as well as $10 off Nicorette from Haleon*.

The events will take place on August 28th at Grove Hall, Boston. & Shop location at 460 Blue Hill Ave. and at Stop & Shop is located at 1351 Forest Ave on Staten Island, New York.

“We are pleased about the partnership with Stop & Shop as they commit to ending 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 toward ending the tobacco industry’s influence on children, and we know more can be done to reduce the burden of tobacco in our communities. From state and local governments to schools and businesses, we can all play a part in protecting public health. We urge state legislators to prioritize funding for tobacco control programs so that those motivated to quit through these efforts have the tools they need to succeed.”

According to the WHO, around 780 million people worldwide want to quit smoking, but only 30% have the means to do so. Tobacco use can lead to tobacco dependence and serious health problems.

“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 with smoking cessation guidance and provide vaccination recommendations for those whose immunity may be weakened by smoking,” said Katie Thornell of Stop & Shop Director of the pharmacy. “We welcome anyone who wants to quit smoking to come along and meet one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists who partner with our customers to support their needs at a time that suits them.”

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