Burger King Is Giving Away Free Kids Meals in Response to COVID-19

As schools are now closed across much of the country due to the coronavirus outbreak, Burger King has announced it will be giving away free kids meals in the United States beginning next week.

"There's a tremendous impact on children, as a result of all the school closures," Restaurant Brands International CEO Jose Cil told Business Insider. "It's one of the hardest hit groups of Americans, because they rely so significantly on school, for lunch ... Monday through Friday, for the better part of the year."

Burger King has pledged to give out two free kids meals with any purchase made using the Burger King app. The promotion, which begins next week, will run as long as supplies last.

Cil, who has been in contact with President Trump regarding the role fast-food chains can play during the pandemic, also insisted such restaurants are now pivotal in promoting social distancing through drive-thru and delivery.

"The challenge here is that when you're dealing with a circumstance like this, if we don't utilize businesses like Burger King, Tim's and Popeyes ... It's really difficult for Americans to be fed, because it's going to be difficult for them to get all their other food and necessities from the supermarket," Cil continued. "We have the ability to help feed America," he concluded.