Retail pharmacies fight hunger with flu shots

Meijer is encouraging customers to get their flu shots this fall by donating $5 per shot to its signature hunger relief program, Simply Give, through Nov. 26. Meijer will donate up to $1 million.

“We are excited to help our customers fight the flu this season while also fighting hunger by participating in our Simply Give program,” said Tim Lesneski, SVP of drug store, pets and consumables for Meijer. “There is no expiration date on receiving a flu shot, so the sooner you get your flu shot, the better chance you have of staying healthy.”

Meijer operates 230 pharmacies in its supercenters throughout the Midwest.

Kroger Co., meanwhile, will donate a meal to Feeding America for each flu shot administered through April 1, 2017, at one of its pharmacies or any of The Little Clinic locations nationwide. The Little Clinic is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kroger.

"At Kroger, receiving the flu shot this year will do more than protect you and your families' health. Throughout this flu season, we'll provide a meal for a neighbor struggling with hunger for every flu shot administered in our pharmacies or The Little Clinic locations nationwide," said Philecia Avery, Kroger's VP of Pharmacy, in a statement. "Kroger has a long history of bringing help and hope to our neighbors in need in the communities we serve. We're proud to continue that tradition by bringing health and wellness to our local communities, as well."

Every year in the U.S. more than 200,000 individuals are hospitalized by influenza. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends a yearly flu vaccination for everyone 6 months and older by the end of October. Flu shots can reduce the risk of more serious symptoms and outcomes, including flu-related hospitalizations.