Beginning Wednesday, Minyard Food Stores Inc. is giving away prenatal prescription vitamins to expectant mothers as part of its new community-based “Start Life Healthy” initiative.

The Coppell-based supermarket chain said its free offer is for 12 months, including three months after delivery.

Three Ethex Corp. brands called Advanced Natalcare, Natatab Rx and NatalCare Plus are available.

Prescriptions will be filled one month at a time and can be transferred from another pharmacy. No insurance is required.

The company, which operates 58 Carnival, Minyard and Sack ‘n Save stores, estimated the program will save customers from $20 to $50 a month.