McDonald's Offers Free Oatmeal Breakfast for Back-to-School on Sept. 4

Heather New has three children, ages 3, 8 and 11, who go to different schools in different parts of Los Angeles. While she’s driving them through town, it's not always easy to get them a good breakfast—especially on the run.

“Sometimes they don’t feel hungry that early, sometimes they don’t want to eat, but I know breakfast is so important for children to start their day off the right way and it helps them learn,” New said.

This Tuesday, Sept. 4, as the children begin their first day of school, she and every other parent in Southern California, can stop off at any McDonald’s and pick up a free oatmeal breakfast meal.

It’s happening between 6 a.m. and 9 a.m. for every child from Kindergarten through 8th grade that is accompanied by an adult at more than 620 McDonald’s in five Southern California counties including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura.

“It’s a relief for a working mother to have this healthy and quick alternative that they can eat in the car,” said New, who is a second-generation McDonald’s restaurant owner.

Her mother Carol Massie founded five McDonald’s in , and three in —including the landmark one near the intersection of just in front of Marilyn Monroe’s star.

The McDonald’s Fruit and Maple Oatmeal is 290 calories and made with 100 percent natural whole grain oats and topped with about a half cup of real fruit including, fresh diced red and green apples, tangy dried cranberries and two types of sweet plump raisins. According to McDonald’s it is rich in dietary fiber and Vitamin C, “providing an excellent source of nutrients and offering warm smiles with every spoonful.”

New said it's a way to get people into the famous fast-food place to see other healthy items on the menu—like salads, grilled chicken sandwiches and juices. New plans to notify Carpenter Community Charter School around the corner from her Studio City shop know about the deal.

"McDonald's is committed to helping children start of the day the right way," New said. On Tuesday, they can do it for free.

owner and operator Julie Pernecky wants locals to know about the free giveaway.  

“We want to help on-the-go parents find balanced breakfast choices to feed their kids right early in the day,” Pernecky said.

“On Tuesday, we look forward to welcoming students and wishing them academic success this school year with a wholesome oatmeal breakfast,” she said. 

See the video above. For the local .