The Kroger Chain Wants To Make 5 Vaccinated Shoppers Millionaires

DALLAS, TX—National grocer Kroger hopes that an incentive plan will help America recover more quickly and permanently from the pandemic.

As of June 3, every Kroger in America will provide an opportunity for customers to compete for one of five prizes of $1 million and another 50 chances to win a year of free groceries. The chain plans to announce 10 winners every week for five consecutive weeks.

Just this week, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported that now half the U.S. adult population is fully vaccinated. At the same time, that means the nation is still 20 percent short of the minimum needed to achieve herd immunity from COVID-19. Those estimates range from 70-85 percent of the population.

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At this point, 593,000 Americans have died, and Kroger officials say their new lottery campaign is in part a collaboration with the Biden administration to push toward a target of having reaching that 70% milestone — or at least that many having received one dose of the vaccine — by July 10.

Considering the colossal loss of revenue over the period of the pandemic, it's hardly a surprise that corporations across the country are looking to get as many people — their customer base — vaccinated as possible.

For example, Target stores began offering $5 coupons to customers getting vaccinated at CVS pharmacies inside its stores nationwide and United Airlines is running an offer allowing vaccinated customers to have a shot at traveling for free.

Entire states are getting into the game as well. Last week Ohio reported a sudden surge in inoculations after its governor announced that his state would make five lucky and vaccinated residents millionaires.

The Kroger CEO and Chairman Rodney McMullen summarized the situation. "The faster we reach community immunity, the sooner we can all get back to enjoying backyard barbecues, live music and gathering for special occasions," he said in a statement. "As an employer, grocery provider, and community partner, the 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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