While many people have been at home all day everyday during the coronavirus pandemic, health care workers and first responders are working harder and than ever, and McDonald’s wants to say thank you.

In a press release, David Tovar, McDonald’s Vice President of U.S. Communications & Government Relations said, “Across the country we are committed to staying open where we can to offer hot and delicious food to serve the community, including our healthcare workers, first responders, truck drivers, delivery workers, grocery clerks, and more. Many of our franchisees are also providing meals to families who relied on school lunches and providing hospital workers with warm prepared meals during their shifts.”

Staying open and keeping restaurants clean isn’t enough. McDonald’s decided to do more. Joe Erlinger, President, McDonald’s USA, said in a statement, “We have been inspired by the way our franchisees have been going above and beyond to support their local communities throughout this trying time.”

The company is so inspired that they have decided to give free meals to health care workers and first responders at all of their U.S. locations starting today, April 22, 2020.

These free meals are called “Thank You Meals,” and they come in the classic “Happy Meal” box. No, there won’t be a toy, but there will be a hot meal that you get to customize. 

 

For breakfast, “Thank You Meals” include your choice of an Egg McMuffin®, Chicken McGriddles® or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit as well as hash browns and your choice of tea, coffee or soda.

For lunch and dinner, “Thank You Meals” include a Double Cheeseburger, 6-Piece Chicken McNuggets® or a Filet-O-Fish® as well as a small order of french fries and tea, coffee or soda.

In order to receive one of the free “Thank You Meals” first responders and health care workers just need to come in their uniform or show their work badge. There is a limit of one “Thank You Meal” per person per day from April 22, 2020, through May 5, 2020.

Dr. William Jaquis, President of The American College of Emergency Physicians, said in a press release, “McDonald’s Thank You Meal is a much appreciated gesture for those risking their lives each day to take a break with a hot meal amidst the turbulence.”