Rodney Hicks, E.W. James and Sons in Martin meat department manager, re-stocks hog jowls at the meat counter.

NEW YEAR’S DAY TRADITION – Martin E.W. James and Sons meat department manager Rodney Hicks restocks the smoked hog jowls on display in the department in time for the New Year holiday. Blackeye peas are strategically located near the hog jowls for one-stop shopping for the grocery store’s customers. Cans of peas are two for 99 cents, while whole hog jowls are 99 cents a pound. “In the South, Blackeye peas are essential to a New Year’s meal. They are believed to bring good luck and good financial fortune to those who eat them,” according to this week’s flyer.

WCP 12.29.11