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McDonald’s of the Ozarks locations give away free coffee in exchange for nonperishable donations

SPRINGFIELD, Mo.— McDonald’s restaurants across the Ozarks are collecting cans in exchange for coffee Oct. 30 through Nov. 26. Customers who donate one item for Ozarks Food Harvest will receive one free McCafe beverage.

For the past decade, McDonald’s of the Ozarks has been asking its customers to bring nonperishable food donations to the front counter or drive-thru window to receive a small coffee drink. Free beverages include lattes, hot chocolate, Americanos, mochas, cappuccinos and hot and iced macchiatos and coffee.

“McDonald’s Cans for Coffee has become a staple in the fight to end hunger across the Ozarks,” said Andi Hilburn-Vaini, McDonald’s of the Ozarks Co-Op president and local McDonald’s owner-operator. “We are so humbled and proud that this is the tenth year we have been able to give back to the communities we serve with such a large and successful program. Our crew and customers alike are the most kind and generous people. Together, we hope to make a substantial impact to help our neighbors in need as we approach the holiday season.”

More than 65 local McDonald’s collect the nonperishable food donations for Ozarks Food Harvest to distribute across its network of 270 food pantries and hunger-relief programs in 28 counties. Stores outside The Food Bank’s network benefit neighboring food banks and pantries.

Since 2008, McDonald’s of the Ozarks has collected more than 232,000 pounds of food — 194,000 meals — from community members through Cans for Coffee.

“This promotion with local McDonald’s stores has provided hundreds of thousands of much-needed meals over the past ten years,” said Denise Gibson, development and communication director at Ozarks Food Harvest. “We’re grateful for the store operators and customers who participate each year to help their neighbors in need.”

Ozarks Food Harvest requests food donations rich in protein like peanut butter, tuna, salmon and other canned meat. Donations of canned beans, soups and stews, vegetables and fruits are also requested.

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About Ozarks Food Harvest — The Food Bank

Ozarks Food Harvest is the Feeding America food bank for southwest Missouri, providing food to 270 organizations across 28 Ozarks counties serving 261,000 unduplicated individuals. The Food Bank provides 16.4 million meals annually.

ozarksfoodharvest.org, facebook.com/ozarksfoodharvest or twitter.com/ozksfoodharvest.