Winn-Dixie, Partner Stores Administer 1st Coronavirus Vaccines

JACKSONVILLE, FL — Southeastern Grocers Inc., parent company of BI-LO, Fresco y Más, Harveys Supermarket and Winn-Dixie grocery stores, began administering coronavirus vaccines to eligible residents Thursday.

In partnership with the Florida Department of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Southeastern Grocers began giving about 8,100 free Moderna COVID-19 vaccines throughout the state at select Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarket stores through the Federal Retail Pharmacy Program.

The grocer will initially offer the free vaccines to health care workers, residents and staff of long-term care facilities and adults ages 65 and older, in accordance with Florida health guidelines, while supplies last.

Qualified individuals are encouraged to visit the Winn-Dixie website, the Harveys website or the Fresco y Mas website for updates on vaccine availability, participating store locations and to schedule an appointment online when available.

The vaccines are free, with or without health insurance. Those with health insurance must provide their health insurance card during their scheduled appointment, and those without insurance will need to present a valid driver’s license or Social Security card.

“We remain steadfast in our commitment to being a store our customers can always count on—not just for their groceries, but as an advocate for their health and wellness as the pandemic continues to overwhelm our communities," Anthony Hucker, president & CEO for Southeastern Grocers. "We are all in this together, and as availability continues to expand, our expert pharmacists stand ready to begin vaccinations throughout the communities we serve to help combat the coronavirus across the Southeast.”

“The state of Florida is proud to partner with Winn-Dixie, Fresco y Más and Harveys Supermarkets to provide eligible Floridians across the state access to the vaccine," Florida Gov Ron DeSantis said. "We look forward to collaborating and expanding these efforts, together.”

As further vaccine allocation continues to be determined and prioritized by the state of Florida, HHS and the CDC, Southeastern Grocers has plans to administer additional free vaccines at all in-store pharmacies and will coordinate drive-thru clinics to administer free vaccines in underserved communities.

Southeastern Grocers operates 231 in-store pharmacies throughout the Southeast, including 159 pharmacies in Florida.