Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, May 6) — After activating its “Kindness Kitchen” project in the wake of the Luzon-wide quarantine, McDonald’s Philippines has given away nearly 200,000 free meals for COVID-19 frontliners.
The “McDo Kindness Kitchen” is a project of the Ronald McDonald House Charities, which initially targeted to provide 50,000 meals to the frontliners of the health crisis as well as the underprivileged communities.
McDonald’s exceeded its initial target and has served over 100,000 meals as of April 4. It is set to reach the 200,000 mark by May 12, according to Yang.
The president of the popular fast food chain said they are able to extend food donations not just because of their own funding, but also those of corporate donors and individual partners.
Yang added that despite the severe impact of the quarantine to their business, McDonald’s decided to continue paying the salaries and extend financial assistance to its employees.
They are also now gearing for the reopening of their stores once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted.
“We’re prepared for that,” Yang declared. “We’re looking forward to the re-opening.”
He noted that there will be modifications in their operations in order to adhere to health and safety protocols to mitigate the spread of the virus.
Around 400 McDonald’s stores are currently back in operations, although with limited channels such as delivery and drive-through.
Yang said they are also implementing a no-touch food delivery service to reduce the risk of infection.
“Our philosophy is not just to do business, but more importantly to give back to the communities in which we serve,” McDonald’s president and CEO Kenneth Yang told CNN Philippines’ The Final Word on Wednesday.
