All customers need is a prescription, the company said in a press release. What's more, the company is not limiting the number of prescriptions customers may fill for free.

The antibiotics are amoxicillin, cephalexin, sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim (SMZ-TMP), ciprofloxacin (excluding ciprofloxacin XR), penicillin VK, ampicillin and erythromycin (excluding Ery-Tab).

These are used in prevention and treatment of infectious diseases.

The company said it won't even bill insurers, such as Medicare or private commercial policies.

''We answer the call of our customers,'' said spokeswoman Anne Hendricks. ``Publix has always been committed to the health and wellness of its customers, and this is another example of this.''

The company joins other retailers that offer discounted drug programs, including Target (TGT) and Wal-Mart Stores (WMT), but Publix Super Markets officials say the company is the first large regional chain to offer certain drugs at no cost.

Wal-Mart Stores is selling a number of generic prescription drugs for $4 in hopes that it can draw more shoppers into its stores who may come for prescriptions and then stay to buy in other departments.

Publix estimates that the antibiotics account for almost 50 percent of generic and pediatric prescriptions filled at its outlets.

''We are always striving to provide our customers with service and value,'' said Dwaine Stevens, Publix media and community relations manager. ``With healthcare and prescription costs on the rise, our free prescription drug program will reinforce our commitment to the total health and wellness of our customers and their families.''