The Kroger Co. announced that it will provide a one-time payment of $100 to all associates who receive the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.
In addition to the new vaccine payment, the company also announced an additional $50 million investment to thank and reward associates across its 35-state footprint, including a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy and call center associates. Both rewards will be loaded to associates' loyalty cards on Thursday, Feb. 11.
The one-time $100 vaccine payment will be offered to all associates who receive the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine and present appropriate proof of vaccination to their human resources representative.
Associates who cannot receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons will have the option of completing an educational health and safety course to receive the payment.
In addition to the new vaccine payment and associate rewards, The Kroger Family of Companies has taken numerous actions to support associates during this extraordinary time, including:
Providing additional pay, multiple special bonuses and rewards that are available to view at KrogerCovidResponse.com
Offering COVID-19 testing to associates based on symptoms and medical need
Continuing to advocate on behalf of frontline associates to have priority access to the vaccine
Providing COVID-19 Emergency Leave to associates most directly affected by the virus or experiencing related symptoms and providing paid time off
Requiring and supplying masks for associates and encouraging them to stay home if they are sick
Requiring customers to wear masks in stores, or alternatively, encouraging the use of e-commerce services
Providing comprehensive benefits packages, including healthcare coverage and retirement benefits
Making $15 million available through the company's Helping Hands fund to provide financial support to associates experiencing certain hardships due to COVID-19
Making mental health resources readily available
Continuing implementation of customer capacity limits
Continuing the use of safety partitions and physical distancing floor decals.
As one of the most-accessible health care partners in the U.S., Kroger Health continues to play a critical role in helping distribute the vaccine in collaboration with public health officials and community partners. As of Feb. 5, Kroger Health professionals have administered more than 200,000 COVID-19 vaccines to essential health care workers, skilled-nursing facility employees and residents and some elderly populations.
Kroger Health continues to hire to fill the need for 1,000 additional health care personnel, including pharmacy technicians, to support operations and the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Kroger Health is also committed to training current associates. ■