LOUISVILLE, Ky., March 31, 2020 /PRNewswire/ -- Today,
Kentucky Fried Chicken® announced it will send one million pieces
of chicken to KFC restaurants across the country, earmarked
specifically to support local communities in need through
donation during the COVID-19 pandemic. KFC and its franchisees
operate more than 4,000 U.S. restaurants, serving Americans in all
50 states, and have continued
feeding America through delivery, drive-thru and
carryout during this unprecedented crisis.
In recent weeks, many KFC franchisees, who live in and employ
more than 80,000 team members in their local communities in
America, are already showing up to support their local communities
in a big way. From donating one thousand meals to frontline
healthcare workers in southern Indiana (AJS, Inc., a 42-year KFC franchisee)
to delivering KFC meals to essential workers (KBP Foods, KFC's
largest franchisee), KFC restaurant teams across the country are
setting an example of what it means to band together in a time when
it's needed most.
KFC U.S. is supporting its nationwide workforce and providing
the means to do even more in their communities by
shipping every KFC in the U.S. additional chicken supply – at no
cost – that's specifically purposed for good.
"Seeing our franchisees coming together and helping their
neighbors during this crisis has inspired us to do more," said
Kevin Hochman, president, KFC U.S.
"Many KFC restaurants across the U.S. are small, family-owned
businesses, and while they are facing uncertainty, they
continue to keep their restaurants open every day to feed our
customers. During this unprecedented time, our franchisees
are also helping make sure those in need are able to enjoy the
comfort and familiarity of a hot meal."
"During this crisis, we've experienced first-hand the power of
our local communities and their heroes," said Thomas Broome, president of KFC franchise
Scottish Food Systems, Inc., and a member of the KFC family for
more than 25 years. "I'm incredibly proud of the work the KFC
family is doing, and this effort will help us do even more."
KFC restaurants across the country will be empowered to cook and
serve KFC's world famous fried chicken however they decide will
best help in their communities, whether they are donating to local
hunger organizations, providing meals to those who are helping keep
us safe or merely spreading joy—whatever their hometown needs
most.
KFC has also made the following commitments to support its
people, communities and franchisees during the COVID-19
pandemic.
- Continuing to keep America fed with drive-thru, carryout and
free delivery: KFC is open and ready to feed your family via
drive-thru, carryout or delivery, which is free through
April 26. Our $20 Fill Up feeds a family of four, or if you
want an abundance of food for today and tomorrow, a $30 Fill Up offer will be available starting
April 1. Contactless delivery options
are available, and we're using tamper-evident seals so that your
food travels safely.
- Industry-leading food safety practices and
standards: We have increased the frequency of cleaning and
sanitizing in our restaurants and are reinforcing our already
strict sanitation, handwashing, and health and wellness policies.
Also, more of our team members are wearing gloves for safety.
- Prioritizing the wellbeing of our employees: As we
announced on March 13, we are
offering sick leave for all employees affected by COVID-19 at
corporate-owned restaurant locations. This week, KFC parent company
Yum! Brands announced the creation of the Yum! Brands Foundation
Global Employee Medical Relief Fund, which will provide hardship
grant opportunities for team members of all restaurants impacted by
the coronavirus pandemic.
- Supporting communities in need: Giving back is one of
KFC's core values. KFC recently announced a $400,000 donation to Blessings in a Backpack to
provide meals to children who may otherwise go hungry due to school
closures. Additionally, KFC's Harvest program continues during this
time of increased food insecurity, with participating restaurants
donating unsold food to local food banks for those in need. Across
the country, KFC franchisees have donated and delivered thousands
of meals to staff at hospitals, COVID-19 testing sites, first
responders and more in their local communities—and we're not done
yet!
- Providing relief to franchisees: KFC will grant
franchisees a 60-day grace period on current royalties, giving
peace of mind during growing concerns and unknowns tied to
operational challenges during this time. KFC parent company Yum!
Brands (including KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell) has also deferred
all 2020 capital obligations for remodels and new unit development
through the end of this year. KFC U.S. and its franchise leadership
are working to implement additional support for its franchisees,
most of which are small, family-owned businesses.
For more information about KFC's efforts to support franchisees,
employees and customers during the coronavirus pandemic, please
visit www.kfc.com/coronavirus.
About KFC
KFC Corporation, based in Louisville,
Ky., is the world's most popular chicken restaurant chain. KFC
specializes in Original Recipe®, Extra Crispy™, Kentucky Grilled
Chicken® and Extra Crispy™ Tenders, Hot Wings®, KFC Famous Bowls®,
Pot Pies, freshly hand prepared chicken sandwiches, biscuits and
homestyle side items. There are more than 23,000 KFC restaurants in
140 countries and territories around the world. KFC Corporation is
a subsidiary of Yum! Brands, Inc., Louisville,
Ky. (NYSE: YUM). For more information,
visit www.kfc.com. Follow KFC on Facebook
(www.facebook.com/kfc), Twitter (www.twitter.com/kfc) and Instagram
(www.instagram.com/KFC).
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