Taco Bell
- Taco Bell is offering free tacos to vaccinated individuals living in California.
- Customers have to show their vaccination cards at participating locations to be eligible.
- The deal is part of Gavin Newsom's Vax for the Win scheme, which aims to drive up vaccination rates.
- See more stories on Insider's business page.
Fast-food chain Taco Bell is the latest company to get in on the huge vaccination drive taking place across the state of California. It is offering free tacos to customers who have received at least one dose of their COVID-19 vaccines from Tuesday.
Customers who show their vaccination card at participating California Taco Bell restaurants will be eligible for a Nacho Cheese Doritos Locos taco at no cost, the company said in a press release.
The company announced its offer as part of California Gov. Gavin Newsom's Vax for the Win incentive program.
Mark King, CEO of Taco Bell Corp, said in the press release: "It's been a tough year, and we are all ready to put COVID-19 behind us."
"We are thrilled to do our part and give back to our home state with something everyone knows and loves to celebrate those who have made the decision to get vaccinated," he added.
At least 70% of Californian adults have received at least one dose of immunization, according to Newsom. However, there is still a large population of young people who need to get vaccinated or receive their second dose.
The brand hopes the effort will increase vaccinations in these specific groups to help reopen the state in a safe manner.
Other companies across the US are also offering workers perks for getting immunized. Retailers like Target and Dollar General announced incentives including extra pay and paid time off, as Insider's Natasha Dailey and Brittany Chang reported.
But for other customers, not getting vaccinated also has its perks. In March, a New Jersey gym announced it was offering free memberships to people who refuse to take a COVID-19 vaccine.
Prior to the offer, the owners of the gym were arrested last year for refusing to abide by the state's pandemic-based orders.