Sandwich swap aims to put bite on smoking

A local anti-tobacco coalition hopes free sandwiches will give smokers that little extra incentive next week to quit, if only for a day.
"It's a starting place," said Darlene Cunningham, director for the coalition.
Free sandwiches will be given away in exchange for half-packages of cigarettes during the American Cancer Society's Great American Smokeout Event Nov. 19.
This is the first year the Olive Branch YMCA has participated as the new fiscal agent for the state Office of Tobacco Control, Cunningham said. The coalition is sponsoring the sandwich giveaway with Lenny's Sub Shops.
"There are four Lenny's Sub Shops, so we have every section of the county covered," Cunningham said.
"I think it's a good idea," said Bonnie Crenshaw, manager of the Lenny's near the movie theater in Southaven. "I wish everybody would stop smoking."
Regular-size submarine sandwiches will be given away with the purchase of one of equal or lesser value at at 8110 Camp Creek in Olive Branch, 3019 Goodman in Horn Lake, 2408 E. Parkway in Hernando and 7090 Malco Boulevard in Southaven.
Volunteers from the Olive Branch High School Interact Club will be at the Lenny's stores between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. and again between 5-7 p.m. during the Great American Smokeout to collect surrendered cigarettes and smokeless tobacco.
They also will hand out cards with the state Quit Line, a telephone number for smokers to call to get help quitting smoking, including free nicotine patches, Cunningham said.
Having the teens participate in an anti-tobacco event will hopefully encourage their peers to be smoke-free, Cunningham said.
According to the state Department of Health, 19.2 percent of high school students in Mississippi smoke and 22.7 percent of adults smoke.
The mission of local coalitions like the one serving DeSoto and Tate counties includes keeping young people from starting to use tobacco.
The Olive Branch YMCA has been very involved in the health of youth, Cunningham said, for example in fighting childhood obesity.
"This is just one more way to have a healthier community," Cunningham said.