Stop & Shop, Ben & Jerry’s Mark Earth Day a Week Early

The Stop & Shop Supermarket Co. and Ben & Jerry’s are joining together on Wednesday, April 15 – a week ahead of Earth Day, which falls on April 22 -- from 11:00 a.m. to 2 p.m. to raise the subject of climate change, discuss environment stewardship and urge customers to help out by using reusable bags and reducing waste.

The "First Taste of Summer" ice cream social will take place in the Hingham, Mass., Stop & Shop store's parking lot. Activities include an appearance by Jerry Greenfield, co-founder of South Burlington, Vt.-based Ben & Jerry's, who will speak about climate change; free scoops of various Ben & Jerry's ice cream flavors; DJs playing music; and giveaways.

"This event will raise awareness about the importance of taking small steps to protect the environment," said Jihad Rizkallah, Stop & Shop's VP of responsible retailing. "An easy way to reduce the impact of too many plastic bags ending up in landfills and waterways is to encourage our customers to bring their reusable bags with them each time they shop. These bags are environmentally friendly, larger and fit more groceries than a traditional plastic grocery bag."

"At Ben & Jerry's we are asking people to get involved in the climate movement by joining Avaaz.org, a global web movement that brings people-powered politics to decision-making everywhere, and calling on world leaders to support a transition to 100 percent clean energy," noted Greenfield.

An Ahold company, Quincy, Mass.-based Stop & Shop employs more than 59,000 associates and operates 395 stores throughout Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, New York and New Jersey.