Instacart will support its shift leads, in-store shoppers and full-service shoppers through the COVID-19 Vaccine Support Stipend, which will offer $25 to any worker who receives a COVID-19 vaccine. The company is also redistributing free personal protective equipment (PPE) to any shopper in need throughout the remainder of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shoppers will receive their stipend after they become eligible through their state’s phased vaccine rollout. The free PPE includes a reusable multi-layer face mask and a bottle of alcohol-based hand sanitizer. To date, Instacart has distributed more than 620,000 free health and safety kits to shoppers.
“Our goal with the introduction of our new Vaccine Support Stipend is to ensure that, when the time comes, Instacart shoppers don’t have to choose between earning income as an essential service provider or getting vaccinated,” said Apoorva Mehta, Founder and CEO of Instacart in a statement. “As the fight against COVID-19 stretches into 2021, we’re committed to supporting our shoppers and continuing to serve as a lifeline for millions of people across North America.”
Instacart also is supporting its shoppers with daily in-app wellness checks, free telemedicine consultations, a COVID-19 Resource Center, pay for those shoppers affected by COVID-19 and thank-you bonuses. Additionally, the company has consulted with the CDC to refine policies, products and education during the pandemic.
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Dollar General is supporting vaccination of its frontline employees as well. Hourly workers can receive compensation for the time it takes them to get vaccinated, while salaried employees receive extra store hours to cover them during their absence.
