Stop & Shop Ending The Sale Of Tobacco Products In Rhode Island

RHODE ISLAND — Stop & Shop will cease selling cigarettes and other tobacco products this weekend.

The Quincy, Massachusetts-based supermarket chain announced Monday that the move includes eliminating "all cigarettes and tobacco products" at its 360 stores in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey by Aug. 31 (Saturday) as "a part of the brand's commitment to community wellness."

"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," Stop & Shop President Gordin Reud said.

He added, "From our team of registered dietitians that serve our customers at no cost 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 tobacco is one more way we're accomplishing that goal."

As a part of its exit from tobacco, Stop & Shop is "encouraging customers to quit smoking" by hosting two cigarette buyback events on Aug. 28 in Boston and New York City. They are neighborhoods within the brand's footprint that have higher rates of smoking and smoking-related health issues, Stop & Shop officials said.

The program is being hailed as a partnership between Stop & Shop and the American Cancer Society.

"We are pleased to partner with Stop & Shop as they commit to ending the sales of all tobacco products in their stores," said Dr. Karen E. Knudsen, the CEO of the American Cancer Society and the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network. "This is a step in the right direction toward ending Big Tobacco’s influence on kids, and we know even more can be done to reduce the toll 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 lawmakers to prioritize tobacco control program funding so that those inspired to quit by this effort have the resources they need to help them succeed."

Stop and Shop's Rhode Island roster includes stores in:

• Bristol(1)
• Coventry(1)
• Cranston(3)
• Cumberland(1)
• East Providence(1)
• Greenville(1)
• Johnston(1)
• Lincoln(1)
• Middletown(1)
• Narragansett(1)
• Newport(2)
• North Kingstown(2)
• North Providence(1)
• North Smithfield(1)
• Pawtucket(1)
• Providence(3)
• Richmond(1)
• Warwick(3)
• Westerly(1).

According to the World Health Organization, about 780 million people worldwide "want to quit smoking," but just 30 percent have access to the "tools" to do so.

"The health of our communities is a priority, and quitting smoking greatly reduces the risk of developing smoking-related diseases. Our licensed pharmacists can help with providing guidance for smoking cessation, as well as immunization recommendations for those who may have lowered immunity as a result of smoking," said Stop & Shop Pharmacy Director Katie Thornell said. "We welcome everyone looking to quit smoking to come and meet with one of our specially trained, dedicated pharmacists, who are partners in supporting our customers’ needs at their convenience."

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