Superfresh Growers hosted the first Superfresh Vaccine Clinic on Tuesday, March 23, 2021. In partnership with Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic, they vaccinated 350 Superfresh Growers employees across the company’s farm, warehouse, and office teams. This was the first of a handful of vaccination clinics planned now that essential farm workers are eligible in Washington State.
The Superfresh vaccination clinic ran smoothly on Tuesday as buses of employees arrived throughout the afternoon at the Superfresh Growers headquarters in Yakima, WA. “We invited employees across our company- office, warehouse, farms, domestic and foreign workers,” describes Chafeka Abdellatif, Human Resources Manager. “We offered a $100 incentive and a paid hour of PTO to cover the time taken during the clinic. All the offered spots were filled, and we still have a waitlist. The demand exceeded the available slots, and we look forward to hosting one or two more clinics in the coming months.”
Elsa Ruiz receives her COVID-19 vaccine
Superfresh Growers began planning in February once there was word of front-line workers becoming eligible. Agriculture, food processing, grocery stores, public transit, and corrections became eligible in the most recent immunization push initially planned for March 22 and pushed up to March 17, 2021.
Maria Rios gives a thumbs up as she preps for the vaccine
After a year of procuring PPE, installing barriers, increasing sanitation teams, and coordinating employee safety across multiple warehouses, the Superfresh COVID-19 team was able to switch gears and celebrate the turning of tides with the vaccination clinic. “I am so proud of Superfresh Growers for our leadership dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic this last year,” says Director of Food Safety Derek Tweedy. “It feels great to be one of the first companies to offer an on-site vaccination clinic. This speaks to having a culture dedicated to being the best in food safety and worker safety, including COVID-19.“
Maria Calderon poses proudly after receiving the COVID-19 vaccination
With demand exceeding supply, Superfresh Growers is coordinating future vaccination clinics. They look forward to working with the state department of Health and other agencies that have shared the goal of vaccinating our essential workforce. The vaccine incentives will continue for employees who can receive the vaccine from local clinics and pharmacies in the area.
Sergio Betancourt relaxes in the sunshine with snacks while waiting the required 15 minutes after inoculation
Scott Wall receives his vaccine on March 23, 2021
Tanya Shoemaker waits in the sunshine during the required wait time after the COVID-19 vaccination
Aziel Cortes Moreno at the Superfresh vaccine clinic
Juana Basurto smiles while receiving her shot
Foday Kromah poses while cleaning tables in the post-vaccine waiting area
