Presque Isle grocer recognized for youth tobacco prevention

Presque Isle grocer recognized

for youth tobacco prevention

    PRESQUE ISLE — Officials with Healthy Aroostook, a Healthy Maine Partnership and a program of Aroostook County Action Program, Inc., have recognized Graves Shop ’n Save of Presque Isle for its efforts to curb marketing of tobacco to youth. Graves has become a Gold Star Store as a responsible retailer who takes seriously its role as a community member in reducing the visibility of tobacco advertising to kids.

Contributed photo

    GOLD STAR STORE — Graves Shop ’n Save of Presque Isle was recently recognized as a Gold Star Store for its efforts to curb marketing of tobacco to youth. Here, Dawn Roberts, community education specialist for ACAP/Healthy Aroostook, presents the designation to Trevor Graves, assistant manager of perishables at Graves.  

    “Reducing the volume of advertising that kids are exposed to can make a serious difference in preventing Maine’s youth from starting tobacco,” said Carol Bell, program director for Healthy Aroostook. “We’re extremely pleased that Graves has become Star Store certified, and encourage other retailers in the community to do the same.”
    The objective of the Star Store program is to reduce the amount of minors’ exposure to tobacco promotional messaging in retail stores, such as special price and discount signage, free branded promotional items, and general tobacco company in-store posters, signs and other visible logos. The Star Store program works in combination with NO BUTS! (Blocking Underage Tobacco Sales), the Maine CDC program to stop the illegal sale of tobacco to minors.
    One-third of underage experimentation with smoking is attributed to the tobacco industry’s marketing tactics. Studies also show that the more in-store tobacco advertising a retailer has, the more youth think that tobacco use is common and widespread.
    Obtaining Star Store designation is quite an accomplishment. Healthy Aroostook staff visits local stores to conduct surveys. The first survey determines the amount of advertising in the store that is geared toward youth that promotes tobacco. This includes determining if signs have been placed at kid height, proximity of signs to candy, and if the signs contain cartoon characters or giveaways that would entice youth. This survey is then discussed with store management with suggestions given.
    A second survey is done to determine if the store has implemented the suggestions. Results of both surveys are sent to the state that then ranks the stores as Gold, Silver or Bronze. Graves was ranked as a Gold Store as the store had no tobacco advertisement geared toward youth.
    “The sad truth is that the tobacco industry spends $59 million in Maine alone each year to promote its products. That means that youth are exposed to clever, aggressive marketing that requires our diligence,” said Bell. “The Star Store program is a great step that responsible retailers can take to help reduce Big Tobacco’s influence on kids.”
    Each year 1,000 Maine children become new daily smokers. Studies show that youth decisions to start smoking are influenced by tobacco advertising in stores. “By removing tobacco signage and reducing the visibility of smoking messages, retailers like Graves Shop ’n Save are making a positive impact on the health of the youth,” said Bell.
    “Graves Shop ’n Save has been a part of this community for over 75 years, and receiving this award was a very important part of the store’s overall effort to promote healthy living,” said Don Samiya, Graves’ store manager.