Domino’s Pizza and Little Caesars are stepping up to feed millions of essential workers and others in need of meals amid the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.

Ann Arbor-based Domino’s has committed to donate 10 million slices nationwide. Simultaneously, Detroit-based Little Caesars will give away 1 million pizzas.

Little Caesars will focus its efforts on healthcare workers and first responders with pizzas going to hospitals, and police and fire departments. The first donation went to Detroit Medical Center today, April 7.

Detroit is the hardest hit area of Michigan with 5,023 confirmed coronavirus cases and 193 related deaths as of Monday, April 6. The disproportionate number of cases in the metro Detroit area is a result of multiple factors, including the large population, more aggressive testing and community spread of the virus, according to experts.

"Hospital staff and first responders are working around the clock to help keep us safe and healthy, and they are true heroes," said Dave Scrivano, president and CEO of Little Caesars. "As a family company, we want to thank all of them in the best way we know how - by delivering a wholesome meal."

The company is also asking its customers to “Pie it Forward.” Starting Monday, April 13, customers who order through the Little Caesars app or website will have to option to donate a pizza to a local hospital, or police or fire departments.

Domino's will donate 10 million slices of pizza to people in the communities it serves across the United States during the COVID-19 coronavirus pandemic.Domino's Pizza

Domino’s franchisees will begin “feeding the need” in their communities this week. The pizza could go to hospitals and medical centers, children and families, health departments, grocery store workers or others. All 6,126 stores nationwide are expected to take part. Store managers and employees are looking for who they can help. Many stores have committed to donating 1,000 pizzas in their community.

"We have franchisees and company-owned stores all over the country already doing amazing work in their communities and we know that by amplifying those efforts together we will be able to help even more people who are struggling right now,” said Russell Weiner, Domino’s chief operating officer and president of the Americas.

As of Monday, April 6, Michigan had 17,221 confirmed cases and 727 related deaths. Seventy-one of Michigan’s 83 counties now have at least one case. Michigan remains under a “stay-at-home” order through April 13. The order closed all non-essential businesses while telling residents to stay home except for essential trips.

Read all of MLive’s coverage on the coronavirus at mlive.com/coronavirus.

Additional information is available at Michigan.gov/Coronavirus and CDC.gov/Coronavirus.

CORONAVIRUS PREVENTION TIPS

In addition to washing hands regularly and not touching your face, officials recommend practicing social distancing, assuming anyone may be carrying the virus. Health officials say you should be staying at least 6 feet away from others and working from home, if possible. Carry hand sanitizer with you, and use disinfecting wipes or disinfecting spray cleaners on frequently-touched surfaces in your home ( door handles, faucets, countertops) and when you go into places like stores.

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