Bonduelle : Launches On-Site COVID-19 Vaccine Clinic for Frontline Heroes in Irwindale Facility

Leading plant-based food innovator aims to provide vaccines to at least 1,000 employees in Los Angeles County starting today

IRWINDALE, Calif., April 1, 2021 - Bonduelle, the home of Ready Pac Foods, will offer on-site COVID-19 vaccinations free to its Irwindale employees starting today as part of a multi-week clinic. In partnership with Albertsons, the Bonduelle COVID-19 vaccine clinic will provide shots for up to 200 employees per day, with a goal of fully vaccinating a minimum of 1,000 employees by the end of the clinic’s run.  

Los Angeles County entered Phase 1B of its vaccine distribution process March 1, offering prioritized access for workers in the food and agriculture sector. As part of this process, Bonduelle acted swiftly to make the vaccines available to its employees in a convenient and accessible way. With the support of Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors Chair Hilda L. Solis, Supervisor to the First District, the vaccines were secured.

“As a large employer of frontline workers in Los Angeles County, we keep the health and safety of our diverse workforce as a top priority,” said Mike Gomes, Chief Manufacturing Officer of Bonduelle Fresh Americas, the U.S.-based subsidiary of Bonduelle. “Throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, we have taken many proactive, precautionary steps to help protect our Associates. The ability to offer free vaccines on-site is an integral step in eliminating COVID-19, and we’re proud to work with the County of Los Angeles to make this possible for our frontline heroes.”

“Bonduelle and its employees are part of our community, and their on-site vaccine clinic is imperative to protecting some of our most essential workers who have worked throughout the pandemic,” said Chair Solis. “I am proud to partner with Bonduelle, one of the largest employers in our county, in making the vaccine accessible and easy for its frontline workers, who are so essential to feeding our community and those across the nation.”

With more than 1,800 employees, the Irwindale facility is the company’s largest in the U.S. The vaccine clinic is exclusive for employees of Bonduelle, and all employees who live near or work in the facility are eligible as recognized food and agriculture sector workers. The vaccine will be optional for employees and free of charge.

“The Bonduelle on-site vaccine clinic is an example I hope we can continue to replicate in the city of Irwindale and the larger Los Angeles community as we look to defeat COVID-19,” said Irwindale Mayor H. Manuel Ortiz. “I’m heartened by the fact that these frontline heroes will have convenient access to the vaccine.”

Because each state has instituted a phased approach to vaccine distribution, the company is taking additional efforts to support Bonduelle employees in getting the vaccine across the country. The company is working directly with local health authorities to coordinate future employee clinics where feasible.  

The Bonduelle Irwindale facility and facilities across the U.S. will continue to follow all health authority guidelines even if employees are vaccinated, which will include maintaining social distancing and wearing personal protective equipment (PPE) as long as these actions continue to be recommended or required by health authorities.

More information on COVID-19 from Los Angeles County Health Department can be found at http://www.publichealth.lacounty.gov/media/Coronavirus/vaccine/index.html.

ABOUT BONDUELLE 

Bonduelle, a family business, was established in 1853. Its mission is to inspire the transition toward a plant-based diet to contribute to people's well-being and planet health. Prioritizing innovation and long-term vision, the group is diversifying its operations and geographical presence. Its plant-based food products, grown over almost 126,000 hectares all over the world, are sold in 100 countries under 6 brand names (Bonduelle, Cassegrain, Globus, Del Monte, Ready Pac Foods, Arctic Gardens) and through various distribution channels and technologies,  with revenues of €2 855 M. An expert in agro-industry with 56 industrial sites or owned agricultural production sites, Bonduelle produces quality products by selecting the best crop areas close to its customers. Visit www.bonduelle.com/en for more.

ABOUT BONDUELLE FRESH AMERICAS 
Bonduelle Fresh Americas is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Bonduelle (BON.PA). With four processing facilities throughout the U.S., the business unit focuses on fresh vegetables, salads and fresh meal solutions for the Americas. Acquired by Bonduelle in 2017 as Ready Pac Foods, the renamed Bonduelle Fresh Americas is the newest of the company’s five business units. The company manufactures a complete range of products featuring fresh produce and protein under the company’s Ready Pac Foods^®, Bistro^®, Ready Snax^®, Cool Cuts^® and Bonduelle Fresh Picked™ brands. Offerings include fresh-cut salads, fresh-cut vegetables, snacking and fresh prepared meals available where consumers buy groceries and in restaurant chains across North America. Visit Bonduelle Fresh Americas or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. 

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BONDUELLE FRESH AMERICAS
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Rosie Herzog
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