The Kroger Co. will provide a one-time payment of $100 to all of its employees who receive the full doses of the COVID-19 vaccine. In addition, the company will invest an additional $50 million to thank and reward its employees, including a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy, and call center employees.
"We know that the most effective defense against this pandemic comes in the form of the COVID-19 vaccine and the continuation of the rigorous safety precautions we've established across our stores, manufacturing facilities and supply chain," said Dr. Marc Watkins, Kroger's chief medical officer, in a statement. "We are strongly encouraging all customers and associates to receive the vaccine to curb the spread of COVID-19, and we'll do all we can to ensure they have access as soon as it's available."
"Through the unknowns of this pandemic, our associates have risen to the challenge and shown the true meaning of our purpose—to feed the human spirit," said Tim Massa, Kroger's chief people officer, in a statement. "As we move into a new phase of the pandemic, we're increasing our investment to not only recognize our associates' contributions, but also encourage them to receive the COVID-19 vaccine as it becomes available to them to optimize their well-being as well as the community's."
Related: Companies Receive Kroger's Racial Equity Fund Grants; Kroger Receives Perfect Score on Corporate Equality Index.