Winn-Dixie Stores, Inc. said yesterday it's taking "aggressive measures" to help customers stretch their grocery dollars as the federal government begins issuing economic stimulus checks. Through the "Stretch Your Check" program, the Jacksonville, Fla.-based grocer will feature a specially marked item or offer each week, beginning with a $5 off coupon in the May 14 circular, and will also cash economic stimulus checks for customers.

The move follows similar measures taken by other grocers in recent weeks to capitalize on the government-issued checks.
 
The "Stretch Your Check" program is in addition to the chain's regularly featured values, such as Winn-Dixie brands, Buy One Get One Free (BOGO) sales, 10 for $10 items, and Good 'til July 4th offers (more than 1,000 prices reduced through July 4th).
 
"It's all about doing the right thing for our customers and the neighborhoods we serve, especially in these difficult economic times," explained Peter Lynch, Winn-Dixie's president, c.e.o., and chairman.
 
Winn-Dixie operates 520 retail grocery locations, including more than 400 in-store pharmacies, in Florida, Alabama, Louisiana, Georgia, and Mississippi.