As part of an effort to help customers access essential health and wellness products, several Wakefern Food Corp.-owned supermarkets now accept over-the-counter benefit cards.

In a Sept. 26 press release, the Keasbey-based retailer cooperative said shoppers can use OTC cards from InComm Healthcare, NationsBenefits and S3 Health Benefit at:

• ShopRite
• Price Rite Marketplace
• The Fresh Grocer
• Dearborn Market
• Gourmet Garage
• Fairway Market

According to Wakefern, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid and other qualified cardholders who receive benefits through those administrators can simply present their OTC benefit cards at in-store checkout when purchasing eligible products.

Items may include a variety of healthy foods, medications, vitamins, first aid supplies and personal care products, the release noted. The amount of funds available and goods that qualify can vary based on the individual’s insurance plan, so customers are encouraged to contact their provider or review their coverage documents to learn more.

Commenting on the rollout, Wakefern Chief Sales Officer Darren Caudill said, “Members of participating health plans can now shop confidently in-store, knowing they can use their OTC benefit cards to purchase the qualified products they need, when they need them most. These programs are a great way to help people … make healthier choices.”

Growing family:

Wakefern Food Corp. recently completed its purchase of upscale New York City grocery chain Morton Williams. Read more here.