Giant Food LLC said this week that its pharmacies will fill antibiotic prescriptions for free in the coming three months.
This measure was taken in support of customers, who are facing tough times due to the economic crisis.

Roughly 36 prescription generic antibiotics will be at no cost, the supermarket chain announced. These are the items that customers may need more during the winter, according to Robin Michel, executive vice president and general manager of Landover-based Giant.

"This was our way to say, 'We hear you, we understand what you are going through and we don't want you to be without something you need,’ ” Michel said.

Between Jan. 2, when the program is scheduled to be launched, and March 21, pharmacies will provide 14-day supplies of 36 varieties of popular antibiotics like erythromycin, amoxicillin and penicillin. Those who want to take advantage of the offer only have to bring in their valid prescription from their doctor, according to the company’s Web site.

Michel insisted that she was unaware of the costs of the consumer wellness initiative, adding that the sum depends on the number of people who will find it useful.

On the word of Kevin Lindamood, spokesman for Health Care for the Homeless in Baltimore, the generic drug program "reduces barriers" for individuals with low revenues and is a "good sign of corporate commitment to the community."

The supermarket chain has 202 locations throughout Virginia, Delaware, Washington D.C. and Maryland and employs an estimated 21,000 associates.