AUGUSTA -- Shaw’s today announced a program that enables shoppers to exchange their government-issued economic stimulus or tax refund checks for a gift card with extra money.

Customers can redeem their checks for the gift cards in $300 increments, and stores will add an extra $30 to each card. They should bring their tax refund checks, along with government-issued identification, to customer service counters at their local stores.

This offer is available May 2 through July 31, at all Shaw’s stores in New England, including Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut.