McDonald's will give away thousands of breakfasts to teachers as part of a campaign to thank 'everyday heroes'

• McDonald's will offer free breakfasts to teachers across the country, USA Today reported.
• The five-day giveaway is part of an effort to thank teachers and school staff, McDonald's said.

McDonald's is giving out free breakfast meals to teachers, school staff, and administrations across the country.

Educators can claim a free "thank you meal" from October 11 through October 15 at participating restaurants across the US, during breakfast hours.

The five-day giveaway comes as part of McDonald's "first big national thank you gesture" for teachers, Jennifer Healan, the company's vice president of marketing, brand content, and engagement, said in an interview with USA Today.

A valid work ID is required to redeem the free meals, which will be served in a classic Happy Meal box. Those eligible will be offered a choice of one entree, hash browns, and a drink.

"Together with our owner/operators, we're proud to serve the people who make our communities a better place, and this is an important time to say thank you to some of our everyday heroes," McDonald's USA president Joe Erlinger said in a statement.

Customers are also encouraged to share stories about teachers in their life who have inspired them using apps the #ThankYouMeal hashtag on Twitter, TikTok, and Instagram.

McDonald's first introduced appreciation meals last year in the early stages of the pandemic. During the two-week campaign, the chain gave out 12 million meals to healthcare workers, police officers, firefighters, and paramedics.

"We wanted to build on that idea and thank our educators in our communities for all that they've been doing and what they do really every day," Healan said.