KFC to give 1 million pieces of chicken to franchisees, to distribute among communities

KFC is planning to give 1 million pieces of chicken to its franchisees to spread some joy during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.

The fried-chicken chain has asked its franchisees to distribute the chicken to their communities as they see fit.

The chicken, which will be provided to franchisees at no cost, is “earmarked specifically to support local communities in need through donation during the COVID-19 pandemic,” shared the fast-food chain in a press release.

“Franchisees are being instructed to cook and serve the extra chicken “however they decide,” but KFC suggested that some of the food could go to hunger relief kitchens, or be provided to first responders, or just given out to the community to spread “joy,” the report added.

The fast-food chain took this decision after observing the kind-hearted gestures of its own franchisees, some of whom have already donated meals to front-line workers and first responders.

"Seeing our franchisees coming together and helping their neighbors during this crisis has inspired us to do more. Many KFC restaurants across the US are small, family-owned businesses, and while they are facing uncertainty, they continue to keep their restaurants open every day to feed our customers,” said Kevin Hochman, President, KFC US.

In addition to doling out chicken, KFC has donated $400,000 to Blessings in a Backpack, an organization that provides food for children who are at risk of going hungry in the absence of school-provided meals. KFC franchisees are also continuing to take part in the chain’s Harvest program, donating unsold food to food banks.