SOUTH BEND — Several grocers with stores in the South Bend area are offering free N95 masks to customers made available through the President Joe Biden Administration.

As part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' federal free N95 mask program, Meijer and Kroger announced stores will offer free masks to customers who want them in an effort to prevent the spread of the coronavirus.

Meijer announced Monday it has received an estimated 3 million masks that have been dispersed throughout stores across the Midwest, including four locations in St. Joseph and Elkhart counties. Masks are now available at entrances of stores and greeters, who will be wearing gloves, will place the masks in piles of three for customers to take.

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Kroger announced it anticipates having the free N95 masks available for customers by Thursday, Jan. 27. However, a spokesman with the central division that covers stores in South Bend, Fort Wayne, Indianapolis and Peoria Ill., said there's a chance that may change. Once available, Kroger customers can take home up to three masks from their local Kroger stores with a pharmacy. According to a release, the free masks will be clearly displayed, but customers are advised to ask an employee for help if necessary. There are six Kroger locations in South Bend, Mishawaka and Elkhart.

Martin's Super Market's owner SpartanNash has not yet announced if it will participate in the program and offer free masks. A representative with the company did not immediately respond to the Tribune's inquiry about the potential service.

Contact Mary Shown at 574-235-6244 and mshown@gannett.com. Follow her on Twitter: @maryshownSBT and @marketbasketSBT.

This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend-area grocery stores offer free N95 masks