Covid-19 Vaccine Incentives Free Food Drinks And Rewards For Vaccinated Americans

As the United States continues its vaccination efforts against COVID-19, businesses and organizations across the country have implemented incentive programs to encourage participation. These vaccination freebies range from complimentary food and beverages to cash prizes and event tickets, providing additional motivation for individuals to receive their COVID-19 vaccines. The variety of rewards spans multiple categories including food service, retail, entertainment, and practical benefits, with offers available through both national chains and local businesses. This comprehensive overview examines the diverse array of incentives available to vaccinated individuals across the United States.

Food and Restaurant Freebies

Numerous food and beverage establishments have introduced promotions to reward vaccinated customers, with many requiring only proof of vaccination through a CDC-issued vaccine card to redeem offers.

Unilever has implemented a targeted initiative, offering free popsicles and Klondike shakes at select vaccination sites in New York, Los Angeles, St. Louis, Memphis, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Phoenix. This promotion was available for a single day only, on Friday, May 14, 2021, specifically for healthcare workers and individuals receiving the vaccine at these locations.

Krispy Kreme launched a notable promotion providing free doughnuts for a year to vaccinated individuals. The company faced some criticism from healthcare professionals who expressed concerns about promoting potentially unhealthy food choices, particularly given the potential for weight gain. Despite this backlash, the promotion generated significant attention and participation.

Shake Shack implemented a multi-part incentive program for New York City residents. Through June 12, 2021, customers who presented their CDC vaccine cards at any of the 25 Shake Shack locations in NYC received a free side of Crinkle Cut Fries with the purchase of any burger or chicken sandwich. Additionally, individuals who received their vaccination at one of the city's mobile vaccine clinics earned a voucher for a free ShackBurger, while supplies lasted. The promotion gained notable public endorsement when New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio ate a Shake Shack meal during a press briefing announcing the collaboration.

In the Pacific Northwest, UBaked Cannabis Co. introduced a "Pot for Shot" promotion, providing pre-rolls to vaccinated individuals. According to company representatives, many customers took advantage of this promotion and expressed appreciation for the positive recognition of the COVID-19 vaccine program. Meanwhile, in Vancouver, Washington, local bar Vault 31 offered free Jell-O shots with proof of vaccination as a thank you to customers who had received their vaccines. The establishment noted that customers who came for the free Jell-O shots typically remained to purchase additional food and drinks.

For beer enthusiasts, Market Garden Brewery in Cleveland, Ohio, created a unique incentive: beer for just 10 cents to the first 2,021 people who brought a completed COVID vaccine card to the establishment.

Looking ahead to summer 2021, several restaurant chains announced plans to celebrate Independence Day with vaccine-related promotions. Panera Bread announced that vaccinated customers could receive one free bagel per day from July 2-4, 2021. The offer was available only to customers ordering in person at their local bakery-cafes, with online orders or deliveries ineligible for the promotion.

Chipotle implemented a similar approach, offering vaccinated customers a buy-one-get-one-free entree deal after 3 p.m. on July 6, 2021. This promotion followed the chain's earlier initiative of distributing 250,000 free burritos to healthcare workers as a thank you during the pandemic.

Retail and Cash Incentives

Beyond food and beverage offerings, numerous retailers and employers have implemented cash and retail-based incentives to encourage vaccination among both customers and employees.

Walgreens introduced a straightforward financial incentive for individuals who received their COVID-19 vaccine at one of their locations. The pharmacy chain offered $25 in Walgreens Cash to vaccinated customers, with the option of receiving a $25 Walgreens gift card instead for those without a myWalgreens account. This promotion was available through July 3, 2021, and customers could make vaccination appointments online through Walgreens' system.

Kroger, one of the nation's largest supermarket chains, implemented a vaccine lottery program similar to those established by several states. Individuals who received their COVID-19 vaccine at Kroger or its family of stores could register for a chance to win one of five $1 million drawings. The company also offered the possibility of winning groceries for a year as an alternative prize.

Several major employers implemented financial incentives for their workforce. An unnamed supermarket chain offered a $100 bonus to each of its more than 225,000 employees who got vaccinated. Tyson Foods and McDonald's followed similar approaches, offering workers up to four hours of paid time off specifically for receiving their COVID-19 vaccinations.

Entertainment and Event Tickets

The entertainment and sports industries have also contributed to vaccine incentive programs, offering exclusive experiences and discounts to vaccinated individuals.

The National Football League (NFL) launched a significant promotion for vaccinated fans, announcing that 50 Super Bowl tickets would be given away in a special giveaway for vaccinated individuals. Additionally, the league offered a 25% discount at NFLShop.com for those who could provide proof of vaccination.

NASCAR implemented its own sports-related incentive, giving away Daytona 500 tickets to vaccinated fans. Major League Soccer (MLS) offered vaccinated fans a 30% discount on merchandise and the opportunity to attend the 2021 MLS All-Star Game. Several Major League Baseball (MLB) teams also introduced ticket deals specifically for vaccinated fans, though specific details varied by team.

Beyond sports, various amusement parks began offering incentives for vaccinated visitors, though specific promotions varied by location and time period. Additionally, some states began offering no-cost hunting licenses to vaccinated individuals as part of their incentive programs.

Transportation and Practical Benefits

Several companies focused on practical benefits to help overcome barriers to vaccination, particularly transportation challenges.

Ride-sharing services Uber and Lyft both implemented programs offering free rides to vaccination sites. Both companies encouraged customers to check their respective websites to determine eligibility for themselves or family members. However, it's worth noting that these services were not available in all regions, with some areas like Oregon not being part of Lyft's service area for free rides to vaccine appointments.

The White House announced partnerships with businesses and organizations to provide additional practical incentives for vaccination. These included childcare services, gift cards, and opportunities for free flights, addressing various potential barriers that might prevent individuals from accessing vaccination sites.

The Effectiveness of Vaccine Incentives

Research and survey data have begun to illuminate the effectiveness of various incentive approaches in encouraging vaccination. According to a survey by Blackhawk Network, more than two-thirds of adults stated they would accept a monetary incentive ranging from as little as $10 to as much as $1,000 to get vaccinated. Approximately one-third of respondents indicated they would get vaccinated for $100 or less.

Political and demographic differences also emerged in survey responses. Democrats reported being more likely than Republicans to get vaccinated if they could receive free goods or services. When analyzed by generation, millennials were identified as the most likely group to be motivated by certain freebies to receive their COVID-19 vaccinations.

One of the most debated and successful incentive programs was Ohio's Vax-a-Million campaign. This initiative allowed vaccinated adults to enter drawings for five $1 million awards, while residents aged 12 to 17 could enter for one of five four-year scholarships to Ohio state schools, including coverage of room and board, tuition, and books. An Associated Press analysis determined that vaccinations in Ohio increased by 33 percent following the announcement of the vaccine lottery.

Regional Variations and Accessibility

It's important to note that the availability of vaccination incentives varied significantly by location. While many national chains offered consistent promotions across their locations, some local businesses provided region-specific incentives. Additionally, certain national programs like Lyft's free ride service to vaccination sites were not available in all areas, with some regions having limited access to these benefits.

In Oregon, for example, residents found that many national freebies did not apply to their state. The absence of White Castle restaurants in Oregon was noted, with only a Change.org petition with 17 signatories from eight years prior advocating for the company to open locations in the state.

Conclusion

The array of COVID-19 vaccination incentives implemented across the United States demonstrates a multifaceted approach to encouraging vaccine uptake. From complimentary food and beverages at local establishments to substantial cash prizes and exclusive experiences, businesses and organizations have employed diverse strategies to motivate individuals to receive their vaccines. These incentives span multiple categories including food service, retail, entertainment, and practical benefits, addressing various motivations and potential barriers to vaccination.

Survey data indicates that incentives have been particularly effective among certain demographics, with millennials showing the highest receptiveness to freebies and Democrats more likely than Republicans to be motivated by rewards. Large-scale incentive programs like Ohio's Vax-a-Million campaign have demonstrated significant impact, with measurable increases in vaccination rates following their announcement.

As vaccination efforts continue, these incentive programs may evolve or be extended. However, many of the initially announced promotions had expiration dates, so individuals interested in taking advantage of these offers should verify their current availability and eligibility requirements through the respective businesses or organizations.

Sources

1. Today.com - 7 Deals & Food Freebies You Can Score With a COVID-19 Vaccine
2. CBS News - COVID vaccine freebies: Donuts, cannabis, laminate cards
3. Cheapism - COVID Vaccine Freebies
4. PDX Monthly - Vaccines, Freebies, Incentives in Portland: Weed, Beer, Drinks
5. CNBC - Do vaccine incentives work? Krispy Kreme says freebies have helped
6. AARP - COVID Vaccine Incentives