McDonald's is trying to do something nice for the hard-working people risking their health for the rest of us. They are offering free meals to first responders and health care workers.
As a small token of our appreciation, we’re giving away free Thank You meals to our frontline heroes. Stop by a participating McDonald’s from 4/22 - 5/5 and we’ll take care of the rest.*
*At participating McDonald’s 4/22/20 through 5/5/20 at drive-thru and front counter only. Valid ID required. Limit one Thank You meal per person per day. Not available with Mobile Order and Pay or McDelivery®. Breakfast meal includes Egg McMuffin®, Chicken McGriddles®, or Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuit, plus Hash Browns and any size soft drink, tea or hot brewed coffee. Lunch/dinner meal includes Double Cheeseburger, 6 Piece McNuggets®, or Filet-O-Fish®, plus small fries and any size soft drink, tea or hot brewed coffee. Menu options may vary by restaurant. No substitutions. Decisions of manager are final.
It's the details where things may go wrong. A look into the discussion at Facebook shows that quite a few people are either having a problem with the promotion itself, or having a problem accessing it.
1. It is not a mandatory company-wide campaign. Each outlet can choose whether or not to participate in this promotion.
2. Managers at participating outlets independently define "health care worker." This usually includes doctors and nurses, but may be limited to those working at a hospital. It may or may not include other hospital employees, CNAs, pharmacists, techs, nursing home staff, home health nurses, or clinic workers.
3. Some commenters report that their local participating outlet claims the promotion is a discount, not a free meal.
4. Commenters believe that truck drivers, grocery store workers, and delivery people deserve a free meal just as much. Some think McDonald's employees should get free meals for working through the pandemic.
5. Other commenters think the free meals should go to unemployed workers, who may now be depending on food banks.
You know what they say: There is no free lunch, and no good deed goes unpunished.
(Image credit: RMajouji)