When you think of McDonald’s, chances are our World Famous Fries® and fan-favorite burgers come to mind. And while we love being known for our delicious food, the impact we have on the communities we serve is just as important to us. It comes to life in many ways, some of which may surprise you – from employment opportunities and tuition assistance to helping support farmers across the country and raising funds for Ronald McDonald House Charities® (RMHC ®). We believe all of these initiatives lead to real impact, both at the local and national level. 

So, what exactly does that look like? We measured McDonald’s business community impact and involvement over the course of one year across all 50 states, in partnership with analysis firm Oxford Economics, to find out. Here’s a glimpse at some of the key takeaways*. 
 

1.  McDonald’s and its franchisees helped generate 1.2 million jobs and contributed $76 billion to U.S. GDP over a year: 1 in 8 Americans have something unique in common: the experience of working at a McDonald’s restaurant, a powerful fact that highlights the impact of McDonald’s as an employer in communities around the country. And with a focus on growing our footprint – aiming to have 50,000 restaurants open globally by 2027 – we're excited to continue expanding our local impact and bring even more members into the McFamily. 
   
   
2.  McDonald’s and its franchisees contributed over $26 million in tuition assistance for restaurant employees: We believe opportunity starts with education. Our Archways to Opportunity® program offers eligible U.S. employees and employees of participating Franchisees the opportunity to graduate from college, earn a high school diploma, learn English as a second language and gain access to academic and career advising services. 
   
   
3. The McDonald’s System supports American farmers and the U.S. supply chain; in 2021, we purchased $5.5 billion in raw ingredients alone: One reason why your McDonald’s favorites taste so good? They’re made with fresh ingredients grown, raised and harvested by U.S. farmers. We believe responsible sourcing is key to ensuring great food, and we’ve identified opportunities across our supply chain to help ensure positive impact on our planet, farmers and communities. 
   
   
4.  Over a year, McDonald’s, its franchisees and customers donated more than $40 million to RMHC in support of families with children who are sick or injured around the world: The mission of RMHC is to create, find and support programs that directly improve the health and well-being of children and their families. McDonald’s ongoing support of RMHC is a central pillar of our commitment to have a positive impact on the communities where we operate, and we are more than a founding partner of RMHC — we are the charity’s forever partner. 
   
   
5.  The McDonald’s System spent more than $9.4 billion with U.S. suppliers, helping contribute to thriving local communities: McDonald’s partnership with and investment in its U.S. suppliers – like Michigan-based Peterson Farms – helps build strong communities. As a McDonald’s supplier for fresh sliced apples for Happy Meals, Peterson Farms provides stability for more than 100 Michigan family farms, which supply more than 200,000 tons of apples annually. The benefits of this collaboration are poured back into the local community, with a focus on providing affordable housing, childcare solutions, transportation, parks, water infrastructure and beyond. 
    

 To view the full national and state-level Economic Impact Reports, visit mcdeconomicimpact.com or view a short video here.

*All values, unless otherwise stated, reflect the 12 months ending 30 June 2022 

This article has been updated to correct an overestimate in supply chain spending, which affected the estimates for total GDP, jobs, and tax impacts. An Oxford Economics programming error caused this and we apologize for any confusion as a result.