McDonald’s Giving $250K to Black Communities Hit by Coronavirus, Free Meals to Healthcare Workers

McDonald’s USA is joining BET and the United Way by making a significant donation toward efforts that will directly support black communities hit hardest by COVID-19. BET is announcing the donation during today’s “Saving OurSelves: a BET COVID-19 Relief Effort.”

In addition, McDonald’s is honoring the selfless service of healthcare workers and first responders—police officers, firefighters, and paramedics—by giving them free meals.

“McDonald’s has supported our communities through highs and lows, and remains committed to aiding in COVID-19 relief as we get through this pandemic together,” Vicki Chancellor, an Atlanta-based McDonald’s owner/operator and chair of the Operator’s National Advertising Fund, told Black Enterprise in an emailed statement.

“Inspired by the heroes working tirelessly to keep our communities healthy during this time, McDonald’s Corporation and franchisees are expressing appreciation by offering a free ‘Thank You Meal’ to all healthcare workers and first responders,” Chancellor continued. “Additionally, we’re honored to join BET and United Way by donating $250,000.”

Each Thank You Meal will be available via drive thru or carry out during breakfast, lunch, or dinner at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide from April 22nd through May 5th. It will be served in a McDonald’s Happy Meal box, along with a note of appreciation, “in the hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food,” a press release notes.

The Thank You Meal will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side of french fries or a hash brown. Healthcare workers and first responders simply have to show a work badge.

“Our restaurants have always been a place for the community to come together and share everyday feel-good moments with family, friends, and neighbors,” said Chancellor in a press statement.

“And, now during times like this, it’s more important than ever for our restaurants to continue to serve and help the communities that have supported us for so long.”

McDonald’s has contributed to the relief effort in a number of other ways, including donating $3.1 million in food to support local communities, donating 1 million N95 masks to Chicago and the state of Illinois, and donating $1 million to the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund to ensure nonprofits in its home state have the supplies they need during this time.