DES MOINES, Iowa - Hy-Vee officials announced recently that its stores will waive the usual service fees, which range from one to several dollars, for customers cashing their economic stimulus checks. There will be no requirement to purchase groceries or merchandise in order to cash the checks.

"We know many of our customers are feeling pinched right now," said CEO Ric Jurgens. "They need every break they can get when it comes to stretching their dollars."

Other ways the company helps shoppers save money are through its "temporary price decline" items and weekly menus with recipes that are both economical and healthy. The corporate dietitians who develop the menus use ingredients that are on sale that week, which also saves money.

Some shoppers are also choosing more private label items over brand name products.

Jurgens said he hoped shoppers would take advantage of the company's in-store dietitians to help them meet their nutritional needs.

"It's important that people continue to focus on a healthy diet in tough economic times. We have over 125 experts in our stores who can show people how to eat well, even if they're on a shoestring budget."