CINCINNATI, OH - With the new COVID-19 vaccine rolling out across the U.S., retailers have been stepping in to not only deliver the shots to customers, but have also been outlining plans to provide the vaccine to its associates. The Kroger Co. Family of Companies is going one step further as it has announced that it will be offering a one-time payment of $100 to all of its associates who opt to get the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the COVID-19 vaccine.

"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, Chief People Officer. "Since March, we have invested more than $1.5 billion to both reward our associates and to safeguard our associates and customers through the implementation of dozens of safety measures that we continue to execute today. We've also welcomed more than 100,000 new associates to The Kroger Family of Companies. 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."

Kroger's one-time payment of $100 will be given to all employees who receive the full manufacturer-recommended doses of the vaccine and provide appropriate documentation of their vaccination to their human resources representative, according to a release from the company.

Those who are unable to receive the vaccine due to medical or religious reasons will be able to acquire the payment through the completion of an educational health and safety course.

"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, Chief Medical Officer. "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."

In addition to the vaccine payment, Kroger has revealed an additional $50 million investment to reward and thank employees across its 35-state operating region. The investment includes offering its associates a $100 store credit and 1,000 fuel points for hourly frontline grocery, supply chain, manufacturing, pharmacy, and call-center employees. Both of the rewards will become available to associates on Feburary 11.

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 in the retailer's

These new investments and announcements come following numerous other initiatives put in place by The Kroger Family of Companies throughout the pandemic. The full list of actions taken by the company can be found here.

How will other retailers follow suit as the vaccine becomes more widely available? Keep checking back with AndNowUKnow as we keep a pulse on the newswire.

The Kroger Co.