LIHU‘E — McDonald’s launched a free “Thank You Meal” program, Wednesday in appreciation for the selfless service of Hawai‘i’s first responders that include healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.
Each Thank You Meal will be available at no charge to first responders who show their identification, or are dressed in uniform via drive thru or carry-out at participating McDonald’s restaurants nationwide through May 5.
“We have been inspired by the way our franchisees have been going above and beyond to support their local communities throughout this trying time,” said Joe Erlinger, president of McDonald’s USA. “I couldn’t be more proud of how our company, franchisees, and supplier partners have come together to give back to those who are working tirelessly for our country. That is truly our McDonald’s system at its finest.”
McDonald’s across the country have remained open during the COVID-19 public health emergency with its franchisees and hardworking restaurant employees serving hot meals to communities that need quick and affordable options — especially those on the front lines such as healthcare workers and first responders.
“I go there, a lot,” said one of the shift paramedics from American Medical Response, Wednesday. “We just learned about this program. Now, I might be there, more.”
The Thank You Meal is available during breakfast, lunch, or dinner, and will feature a choice of sandwiches, drinks, and a side of small fries or a Hash Brown along with a note of appreciation. The meal will be served in McDonald’s iconic Happy Meal box in hopes of bringing a smile along with delicious food.
Brandon Yoshimoto of McDonald’s Kauai that includes the McDonald’s on Kuhio Highway, the McDonald’s in the Walmart store, McDonald’s in Kapa‘a, and McDonald’s in ‘Ele‘ele said the offer is limited to one order per badge, once a day.
Breakfast options include a choice of an Egg McMuffin, Chicken McGriddles, or a Bacon, Egg and Cheese Biscuit along with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee, and a Hash Brown.
Lunch and Dinner options include a choice of a Double Cheeseburger, 6-piece Chicken McNuggets, or a Filet-O-Fish with any size soft drink, tea or hot coffee, and small fries.
“Emergency physicians and other healthcare workers on the front lines are spending hours a day on their feet, often missing meals in their efforts to care for their patients,” said Dr. William Jaquis, president of The American College of Emergency Physicians. “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.”
McDonald’s has helped and served communities during previous times of national crisis by donating funds to disaster relief efforts to providing food for those impacted by natural disasters. The commitment to feeding the nation’s healthcare workers and first responders throughout the current pandemic is a continuation of that dedication.
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Dennis Fujimoto, staff writer and photographer, can be reached at 245-0453 or dfujimoto@thegardenisland.com.
First Responders, it would seem, need high end nutrition to get through a day of critical first responding.
McDonalds is being very generous.
Can first responders rely on Fast Food to the degree necessary for the demands of their work.
Would a plate of fresh fruits, and/or veggies, and/or some unprocessed grains in a breakfast hot cereal…be a consideration by McDopnalds…call it McDonalds Nutrition for First Responders…and make it available to the General Public.
Correction, McDonald’s in Hawai’i or being shut down for spreading COVID-19 community clusters!
Let’s flatten NOT fatten the curve.. we need to educate and promote stricter SANITATION practices by saturated numbers of public health bulletins at portable handwashing stations Island wide! At bus stops, everywhere foot traffic travels, until we get a handle on testing and implementing a new normal! That’s going to take a RADICAL step by all first responders and caregivers to pressure the government to give the TRAINED PROFESSIONALS THEIR FACILITIES TO OPERATE INSTEAD OF THE WALL STREET CONTROLLED, INSURANCE COMPANIES WHO NOW DICTATE WHO LIVES OR DIES..
Mahalo for reporting truth not more (un)happy camping filler stories!!!! Our people deserve better.