BOONE, Iowa (AP) — An Iowa-based grocery store chain is again participating in an annual fundraiser to fight muscular dystrophy, ALS and related muscular degenerative diseases. Fareway Stores throughout Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska and South Dakota are participating in the MDA Shamrocks program running through March 16.

Under the program, customers can buy paper shamrocks along with their grocery purchases for $1, $5 or more. The money collected goes to the Muscular Dystrophy Association. The association says the MDA Shamrocks program the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day fundraising program.

The money raised helps fund research and provide individuals with life-enhancing programs and support services. That includes multidisciplinary care at the MDA Care Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics in Iowa City.