Jan 15, 2021

ARLINGTON, VA - FMI – The Food Industry Association appreciates President-elect Biden’s focus on boosting the rate of COVID-19 vaccination distribution in the Coronavirus Relief Package. Leslie G. Sarasin, president and chief executive officer of FMI, offered comment in response to yesterday’s announcement by the Biden-Harris team: 

“We applaud President-Elect Biden’s proposal in his Coronavirus Relief Package to get more shots in the arms of Americans.  The importance of a convenient, efficient and safe process for administering COVID-19 vaccinations to essential workers and the general public as vaccine supplies increase cannot be overstated. Supermarket pharmacies administered roughly 25% of the nation’s influenza vaccinations last year and stand ready to play a key role in expanding access to COVID-19 vaccinations.

“Supermarket pharmacists and food industry workers have demonstrated their continued resilience to meet unprecedented expectations and demand. While the general population awaits the COVID-19 vaccine, supermarkets are working diligently to continue to provide food, cleaning products and the full range of pharmacy products to support Americans’ health and well-being. Serving as knowledgeable and trusted wellness partners within their communities, supermarket pharmacies and food retailers will be essential to a successful COVID-19 vaccination plan.”