PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Stop & Shop announced Monday that its stores will stop selling cigarettes and tobacco products by Aug. 31 as part of its “commitment to community wellness.”

The grocery store chain plans to discontinue tobacco sales across its 360 stores in Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

“Our responsibility as a grocer goes far beyond our aisles,” Stop & Shop President Gordon Reid said. “We aim 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.”

To further encourage customers to quit smoking, Stop & Shop will host two cigarette buybacks on Aug. 28 in Boston, Mass., and in Staten Island, New York.

The first 100 participants who bring in an unopened pack or carton of cigarettes will receive a Stop & Shop gift card and other resources, such as healthy snacks, smoking cessation materials and $10 off coupons for Nicorette.

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