Bank of America will donate $100 to local food banks for each of its employees who receive COVID-19 vaccine booster shots.
The money will go to Long Island Cares and Island Harvest for each BOA employee that notifies the bank of their booster by the end of the month, according to a statement from BOA.
The booster incentive is aimed at supporting the overall health of the community and will enable Long Island Cares and Island Harvest to continue helping Long Islanders access nutritious food at no cost. The bank is encouraging other companies to adopt similar initiatives.
“The pandemic continues to put an increased strain on food security for individuals and families,” Marc Perez, president of Bank of America Long Island, said. “This initiative is both an investment in our community and teammates, supporting the overall health and wellness of Long Island. Long Island Cares and Island Harvest have been working overtime to fight food insecurity, and as longtime partners we’re committed to supporting their efforts, especially during this time of increased need. We encourage other companies to join us and create a multiplying effect.”
Paule Pachter, CEO of Long Island Cares Harry Chapin Food Bank, praised Bank of America for being an important corporate partner.
“Their continued commitment towards working with food banks to address the issue of hunger and food insecurity has resulted in the development of innovative programs and services across the United States, and in particular, their continued support of Long Island Cares has enabled us to open our Hunger Assistance and Humanitarian Center in Hampton Bays and our new Essential Market in Bethpage,” Pachter said.
Nationally, Bank of America is donating up to $10 million to food banks and hunger relief organizations for employees who get booster shots this month or who have already gotten the shot if they register that information with the bank. Bank of America has encouraged its staff to get vaccinated and boosted since the summer and has offered incentives such as paid time-off and $500 credits towards health benefit premiums.
