Stop & Shop, a banner of Ahold Delhaize USA, has announced that it will stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products in its 360 stores.

One of the largest grocers on the East Coast is taking numerous steps to encourage its customers to quit smoking.

Stop & Shop, a Ahold Delhaize USA Banner has announced that it will stop selling all cigarettes and tobacco products in its 360 stores. The grocer, which operates 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 community.

In addition to stopping tobacco sales, Stop & Shop is encouraging its customers to quit smoking by holding two cigarette buyback events on August 28 at locations in neighborhoods within the brand’s service area that have higher rates of smoking and higher rates of smoking-related health problems.

“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. “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.”