CHICAGO – In a May 19 statement, McDonald’s USA described its gratitude for the 850,000 employees across the country committed to working and providing 12 million “Thank You Meals” to healthcare workers and first responders, worth $63 million, throughout the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. The company also thanked its owner-operators who have supported their employees with raises, bonuses, appreciation pay, gift cards, free meals and groceries for them and their families.

Ninety-nine percent of McDonald’s US locations remain open and operating due to individuals going to work. The employees working in the restaurants allow McDonald’s to support its communities through approximately $9.8 million in food donation programs, donating 1.45 million medical masks, donating $250,000 to support diverse communities most impacted by COVID-19 and providing hundreds of thousands of free meals to schools and churches.

McDonald’s has made roughly 50 process changes since the start of the pandemic with the guidance of state and local health experts as well as the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). These include providing wellness and temperature checks, masks and gloves, social distancing guidelines, increased cleanings and installing protective barriers. Also, a “playbook” has been put together to outline reopening strategies for closed restaurants.

“As we navigate through this crisis, we will remain focused on the one goal that matters most: protecting the safety, security and well-being of employees and customers while playing what part we can to bring a little comfort and normalcy to our communities as only McDonald’s can,” the company said. “As the world’s largest restaurant company, we take this goal seriously and will continue to live up to the high standards we set for ourselves. McDonald’s customers and employees deserve nothing less.”