SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

Perhaps the single most important thing to consider in a McDonald's career is the role you play in the community. After all, the people you know, meet, serve, hire, or greet are all part of it. Over many years, millions of people have frequented McDonald's because it's a trusted name with proven service. Giving back to the community–both local and global–is our way of returning that loyalty. We take our social responsibilities as seriously as we take our successes. Here are just some of the ways we do what we do. 

Community Focus

 To promote social awareness, we have many collaborations and partnerships. First off, we sponsor countless neighborhood beautification projects around the world each year. We’re also extremely proud of our long-standing children’s programs, like Ronald McDonald House, that continue to remain very strong and benefit so many. Created in 1974, Ronald McDonald House provides a “home away from home” for families of seriously ill children who are receiving treatment at nearby hospitals. There are now more than 245 in 28 countries. Even the very operation of a single restaurant can fuel the economy of a local community. Simply put, we’re a big part of our neighborhoods–that’s where we’re from. Naturally, we want to help care for them. 

Responsible Purchasing

 We believe in leading by example. Our policies and guidelines strive to make the world a safer, better place. When it comes to animal welfare, McDonald’s is an industry leader. Take our Farm-to-Counter food safety system–a program that monitors critical aspects of all our processes and serves as the benchmark for animal treatment throughout the industry. In addition, we have taken the lead in preserving the effectiveness of antibiotics that are important to both human and animal health. When it comes to toy safety, our record far exceeds the record for the toy industry overall. Also, thanks to our many supplier guidelines and expectations, we ensure the vendors we work with are as serious about their commitment as we are. 

Protecting Our Environment 

Keep the planet clean and green. That's our practice and we vigorously stick to it. By understanding that consuming and recycling go hand-in-hand, we created a Total Life Cycle approach to waste. For us, it’s important to consider the environmental impacts of our products at every stage, from the production and harvesting of the raw materials through final disposal. We’re also proud to employ a strict rain forest policy and do not source any beef from recently deforested areas. Most recently, we initiated a program on environmental resource sustainability, providing clear principles and goals on how to preserve the world in which we live. 

Expert Opinions 

How do we know we're making the best decisions when it comes to social responsibility? Simple. We consult the experts. By maintaining an extensive partnership with expert advisors, we not only ensure we set the right goals, but that we do the right things to reach them. These practices help us learn new concepts in philanthropy, food safety, corporate citizenship practices, animal welfare, and more. They also allow us to share our information and experiences with others.