N.C. supermarket and Clemson partner to vaccinate employees

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Ingles Markets and Clemson University are working together to speed along vaccination to almost 1,000 employees and staff members that are eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine.

Clemson sent the North Carolina-based supermarket the contact information for eligible employees. The Ingles Pharmacy closest to those employees reach out to them to schedule an appointment, according to a news release. Statewide, Clemson has 6,268 employees, not counting contract employees or student workers, according to the university's media relations department.

“We’re happy to partner with Clemson to help eligible employees access available vaccination appointments, as we try to vaccinate as many members of our community as possible,” Ron Freeman, Ingles chief financial officer, said in the news release. “We know every vaccine we administer helps our community as we move closer to herd immunity, and even helps protect those who choose not to receive the vaccine.”

Clemson and Ingles will continue to explore opportunities for vaccine coordination as statewide eligibility guidance evolves, according to the release.

“We appreciate the opportunity to build upon the longstanding relationship between Ingles Markets and Clemson to help our eligible employees access vaccination appointments,” Angie Leidinger, vice president for external affairs at Clemson, said in the release. “Clemson’s commitment to prioritize the health and safety of our students, faculty, staff and community has been a constant through the pandemic, and will continue to be our focus moving forward. We are appreciative of Ingles providing these opportunities to our employees and will continue to look for every opportunity available to assist our Clemson community.”