BALTIMORE (WMAR) — Two years ago, a local grocery chain started a discount program that makes it more affordable for veterans to buy many of the things they would be buying anyway.
And now every Thursday is Veterans Day at Weis Markets around Baltimore.
“Our veterans have shifted to that Thursday to take advantage of that discount. We can't blame them and we really want to support them,” said Ron Bonacci of Weis Markets.
Every Thursday, Weis offers 10 percent off for active duty members of the military, all military veterans, and their families. A lot of veterans have been changing their shopping habits.
“We came up with a plan to make sure that all veterans could have an impact in our store, and some savings,” Bonacci said.
Some 7,000 items qualify for the discount.
“It's your staple items,” Bonacci said. “It's your milk, bread, eggs and all the other items that you would have in your home pantry.”
During the summer, Weis asks customers to round up their purchase at the register, with the money raised going to Paralyzed Veterans of America.
This year, that effort plus a donation from the company equaled $175-thousand for that organization.
As for the 10 percent discount, veterans only have to show their credentials once - when they sign up for the program. After that, the discount is applied automatically when they swipe their preferred shoppers club card.
Weis will not reveal the exact number veterans who've taken advantage.. But they say the number is in the thousands.
“The veterans know the opportunity they have in front of them and we're so passionate to serve the local veterans who have served our country,” Bonacci said.
