Kroger Offers a Shot at $5M

In an effort to help meet President Joe Biden’s goal of accelerating coronavirus vaccinations among U.S. adults, the Kroger Co. this week is launching a $5 million giveaway for individuals who receive a COVID shot from a Kroger Health facility.

Kroger said the promotion, dubbed #CommunityImmunity, will dole out five $1 million payouts and 50 chances for participants to win free groceries for a year. The program comes after a collaboration with the Biden administration to encourage increased vaccinations as part of the national push to have at least 70% of U.S. adults with at least their first dose by July 4.

“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 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.”

Cincinnati-based Kroger said prizes would include five $1 million giveaways for a total of $5 million and 10 free groceries-for-a-year giveaways each week for five weeks, totaling 50 winners. The program begins June 3.

“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. “Businesses like Kroger are stepping up to the plate to encourage vaccinations, as we pursue President Biden’s goal of having 70% of adults with at least their first dose by Independence Day.”

Kroger Health, the healthcare division of The Kroger Co., operates more than 2,200 pharmacies and 220 clinics in 35 states serving more than 14 million customers.