If you’ve ever ordered a Big Mac, Quarter Pounder, or a Spicy McChicken from McDonald’s, you may not know the pickles on it probably came from cucumbers grown right here in Michigan!
“The McDonald’s system purchased 54 million pounds of cucumbers last year, and Mr. Chips in Pinconning helped provide those cucumbers and pickles for us,” says Shawn Saputo, an owner/operator of McDonald’s.
Michigan is one of the leading producers of pickles in the U.S. That’s why McDonald’s held a special “farm-to-table” event on Monday at the Mr. Chips production facility in Pinconning—just north of Saginaw—to honor the Michigan growers, suppliers, and community members who play a key role in bringing farm-fresh ingredients to McDonald’s restaurants across the country.
“We purchase about 28 million pounds of apples that end up in our Happy Meals with apple slices and baked goods,” according to Saputo. “We also buy over 102 million pounds of pork, which helps us make the Egg McMuffin and the Sausage McMuffin. McDonald’s also buys nearly a million pounds of beef raised and processed throughout the state of Michigan, as well as 3.7 million pounds of butter, 127 million pounds of corn, 45 million pounds of soy, and 52 million dozen eggs that we purchased on an annual basis in Michigan.”
He adds that McDonald’s is proud to support Michigan agriculture and your local community.
“The thing that we try to preach the most is, when you’re eating in a McDonald’s restaurant in the state of Michigan, you are supporting a local family-owned business,” he says. “You’re supporting Michigan Agriculture, the small businesses, and small family farms that allow us to provide these great products to our guests. You’re supporting more than just ‘big-brand’ McDonald’s. You’re supporting your local communities.”
The overall partnership supports not only Michigan’s farmers but also its economy. McDonald’s contributes more than $2.2 billion to the state’s GDP, sustains 42,100 jobs, and generates nearly $720 million in federal, state, and local taxes annually.
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