Smith's Food and Drug Stores are offering free grocery money.
Smith's has a gift card program that allows customers to exchange their tax refund or economic stimulus check for a Smith's gift card with an extra $30, $60 or $120 added to it. Customers will receive $30 for every $300 gift card purchase with a maximum of four purchases.
"Grocery bills represent a significant expenditure of $105 to $235 per week for the average family of four," said Jim Hallsey in a news release. "Smith's program allows our customers to stretch their grocery dollars further through this special program."
Marsha Gilford, a media contact for Smith's, said the grocery store likes "keeping prices low every day." With a program like this, the price of grocery shopping goes down.
"We are always looking for ways for our customers to save money," Gilford said. "People would probably appreciate using their money for groceries."
Although this program might work well for families of four or more, students might not be able to take advantage of this offer. Students who can be claimed as dependants on someone's tax return are not eligible for the economic stimulus payment.
Megan Withers, a BYU English major, spends about $80 per month on groceries. She said she enjoys shopping at Smith's because they have really good deals but she can't afford to buy a gift card with a high amount at this time.
"As a college student, it's really hard to come up with $300 at one time," Withers said.
Justin Ferrell, a BYU marriage, family, and human development major, spends about $100 per month between him and his wife. They cannot be claimed as dependents but using $300 for groceries is still not an option.
"The program is way out of my budget ... a 10 percent is not much of an incentive," Ferrell said.
Those who can afford to take advantage of Smith's program are not limited to only exchanging their tax refund or economic stimulus check for a Smith's gift card. A credit card or personal check can also be used to buy a gift card with a minimum of $300.
This program will last through July 31 and is available at any Smith's Customer Service in Utah by presenting a Fresh Values reward card.
