The grocery store chains Giant and Stop & Shop have announced a plan to offer free prescription antibiotics in their pharmacies. The program will last through March 21st, and will cover amoxicillin, penicillin and ciprofloxacin among others. The program is similar to one offered by Midwestern superstore Meijer.

“Times are tough,” said Robin Michel, executive vice president for Giant Food, which is based in Landover. “If this is the way that we can help most people, why not?”

Shortly after the announcement, Wegmans, a chain of 72 stores on the east coast, announced their own free antibiotics program.

Wegmans’ spokeswoman Jo Natale says the program has been in the works for weeks and called the timing of the announcements coincidental. She says the Wegmans program was not a direct reaction to Giant’s program.

Customers will, of course, still need a prescription from their doctors.

Giant Food To Offer Free Prescription Antibiotics [WaPo]
Wegman’s Joins Giant, Offers Free Antibiotics [WaPo]

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