McDonald’s restaurants from Eureka through Santa Barbara have donated over 100,000 meals to the local communities through a food donation program aimed at supporting local food relief agencies in the region over the past 12 months. The initiative is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to give back to the communities it serves and to address food insecurity issues facing many Californians.
Through Food Donation Connection (FDC), McDonald’s restaurants across the state are able to easily donate surplus food to local hunger relief agencies, ensuring that those in need have access to nutritious meals. By collaborating with local charitable organizations impacting food insecurity while also reducing food waste, McDonald’s is able to extend its reach and contribute to combating hunger in the community.
“By working together, McDonald’s and its partners strive to create a brighter future for those facing hunger and food insecurity in California,” said Owner/Operator (franchisee) and food donation champion Jason Goldblatt. “Since the inception of this program in 2016, within our partnership of McDonald’s franchisees, over 278,000 meals have been created with the food we have donated.”
FDC provides an alternative to discarding surplus wholesome food by linking food service donors with surplus food to local hunger relief agencies. They have created an efficient communication and reporting network that links available sources of food to those in need through these existing charitable organizations.
“Local food relief agencies are set to benefit significantly from this program, receiving regular donations of fresh and high-quality food items from McDonald’s restaurants in the area,” said Lydia Donahue FDC Director of Operations – Restaurants. “These contributions will help entities in meeting the growing demand for food assistance, especially during challenging times.”
Recipients include the Veterans Transition Center of California located in Marina; Central Coast Rescue Mission, Santa Maria; White Pony Express, Concord, to name a few. The food donation program is a part of McDonald’s broader sustainability efforts, which include initiatives to promote responsible sourcing, commitment to quality, and support local communities.
The company’s dedication to social responsibility is reflected in its ongoing efforts to address food insecurity and make a difference in the lives of Californians.
About McDonald’s USA
McDonald’s USA, LLC, serves a variety of menu options made with quality ingredients to millions of customers every day. Ninety-five percent of McDonald’s approximately 13,500 U.S. restaurants are owned and operated by independent franchisees. At franchised restaurants, the independent franchisee is the sole and exclusive employer of all restaurant employees – the franchisee alone sets all terms and conditions of employment, establishes all employment policies and practices, and is solely responsible for all employment-related matters in the restaurant. For more information, visit www.mcdonalds.com, and follow us on social: X, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
