ROCHESTER, N.Y. — The American Lung Association recently presented Wegmans Food Markets here with the Lung Champion Award in recognition of its decision to halt the sale of tobacco products. “Wegmans believes that the many young people who work in our stores will be affected by the message the company they work for is willing to give up profits out of concern for their health,” said Mary Ellen Burris, senior vice president of Consumers Affairs for Wegmans, as she accepted the award. There are currently 550 Wegmans employees who are enrolled in the smoking cessation programs that Wegmans offers employees. “The American Lung Association of New York State commends Wegmans for its leadership in removing cigarettes from store shelves and putting the public health of its employees and customers above profits,” said Deborah Carioto, president and chief executive officer of the American Lung Association of New York State, in a statement. “Smoking is the leading cause of preventable death in this country, and with the single act of halting tobacco sales in its stores, Wegmans has set what I hope will be a trend among major retailers in this country.”
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