[Edaily Reporter Han Jeon-jin] GS25, the convenience store chain operated by #GS Retail, and the corporate supermarket GS The Fresh are establishing themselves as key outlets for the government’s “Agricultural and Food Voucher” program. They are credited with improving access to grocery shopping for vulnerable groups through their nationwide store network while also contributing to the expansion of domestic agricultural and livestock product consumption.

GS Retail announced on the 4th that the usage volume (based on payment amount) of the Agricultural and Food Vouchers at GS25 and GS The Fresh last year increased 14-fold (1,350.1%) compared to 2023, the first year of participation in the program. Usage from January to May of this year has also more than doubled compared to the same period last year, and is projected to reach an all-time high.

The agricultural and food voucher program is a food assistance initiative operated by the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs and the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation (aT). It was introduced to support healthy eating habits among vulnerable groups and promote the consumption of domestic agricultural products. The subsidy ranges from 40,000 won per month for single-person households to a maximum of 187,000 won for households of 10 or more people.

GS Retail analyzed that the increase in sales was driven by the enhanced accessibility and convenience provided by GS25 and GS The Fresh—which have a combined network of approximately 18,600 stores nationwide—participating as participating retailers from the program’s inception. GS25 has expanded the range of eligible products to over 830 items, while GS The Fresh is strengthening its competitiveness in fresh foods, with a focus on domestic agricultural and livestock products.

Both companies are holding discount events this month to promote the consumption of domestic agricultural and food products. GS25 plans to hold a discount event for vegetables, fruits, and grains, while GS The Fresh will run a price stabilization event targeting seasonal fruits and vegetables such as watermelons and cantaloupes, as well as Hanwoo beef.

Jeong Ju-ho, Head of Partnership Marketing at GS Retail, stated, “We have focused on improving accessibility and convenience for customers using agricultural and food vouchers by leveraging our nationwide store network,” adding, “We will continue to participate in various ESG initiatives that support socially vulnerable groups and local farmers.”