Asheville, North Carolina-based Ingles Markets says it will be partnering with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to administer the coming COVID-19 vaccine. Ingles Pharmacies will receive direct allocations of COVID-19 vaccine once a vaccine is approved for its safety and efficacy and recommended for use in the United States.
“We are honored to have been selected to partake in the plan to maximize access to COVID-19 vaccines and to serve our patients and communities; our goal is to provide convenient and safe administration of vaccines,” said Ron Freeman, CFO.
The company has administered influenza vaccines in the midst of the pandemic; during this season, Ingles Pharmacy administered a record number of flu vaccinations. It plans to prioritize the safety and health of the community by continuing heightened cleaning measures and precautions, educating their customers and wearing protective equipment.
Celebrating holidays
Ingles Markets once again has launched its annual Ingles Giving Tree, a benefit for Manna FoodBank and families across Western North Carolina struggling with hunger. Right now, Manna and its partner network of nonprofit agencies are serving more than 100,000 people each month with emergency food support.
This year, Ingles Markets is keeping the tradition alive with a 20-foot tall live tree from Grassy Creek Nursery, part of Smith Family Farms, a North Carolina farm located in West Jefferson. The tree will be decorated by award-winning floral directors, and the live lighting will take place at the Asheville Outlets on Monday, Nov. 23, prior to Thanksgiving. Laura Ingle will be on hand to light the tree in person. The lighting will be broadcast live on WLOS, between 5:30 and 6 p.m. and will stream live on WLOS’ website.
Ingles Markets Inc. operates 197 supermarkets in six southeastern states.
