Starting the first week of June, people who have received the COVID-19 vaccine at any of the Kroger grocery store chain’s pharmacies will have a chance to win one of five $1 million cash prizes, plus dozens of other rewards.
The Kroger Co.’s health division, Kroger Health, announced the launch of the #CommunityImmunity giveaway campaign to encourage more Americans to get the COVID-19 vaccine. The initiative will offer shoppers and associates the opportunity to win one of five $1 million payouts and 50 chances to win free groceries for a year.
The program collaborates with the Biden Administration to encourage increased COVID-19 vaccinations as part of the national push to have at least 70% of U.S. adults with at least their first dose by July 10, Kroger said in a statement.
“The faster we reach community immunity, the sooner we can all get back to enjoying backyard barbecues, live music, and gathering for special occasions,” said Rodney McMullen, Kroger’s chairman and CEO. “We greatly appreciate President Joe Biden’s leadership and partnership with the private sector to increase COVID-19 vaccinations among the U.S. population, especially people of color and individuals under age 30. As an employer, grocery provider, and community partner, the #CommunityImmunity giveaway is another way we are doing our part to help America recover from the public health crisis and safely return to normal.”
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As of the end of May, the Kroger Health organization’s pharmacists, nurse practitioners, and healthcare technicians have distributed more than 4.6 million COVID-19 vaccines, and that number continues to grow daily.
Kroger Health will announce prizes, official rules, and eligibility next week for the #CommunityImmunity giveaway.
Prizes will include five $1 million giveaways for a total of $5 million and ten free groceries-for-a-year giveaways each week for five weeks, totaling 50 winners.
“To vaccinate more Americans and help bring this pandemic to an end, we all have to do our part, and it’s exciting that Kroger is using innovative tactics to encourage vaccinations among its millions of customers across the country,” said Ian Sams, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). “Businesses like Kroger are stepping up to the plate to encourage COVID-19 vaccinations, as we pursue President Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults with at least their first dose by Independence Day.”
Kroger Health has over 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers. The administrative team comprises 22,000 healthcare practitioners, from pharmacists and nurse practitioners to dietitians and technicians.