Thursday, May 28, is recognized as World Hunger Day and falls on the same day as National Hamburger Day. This year, both are yielding free food in Colorado Springs.

Springs Rescue Mission

For the first time since completing an $18 million expansion in 2021 of its campus, Colorado Springs’ largest homeless shelter, Springs Rescue Mission, will serve complimentary lunch outside its gates.

The community meal will be offered from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday in front of the facility at 5 E. Las Vegas St.

There will be no questions asked at the event, no barriers to entry, no check-in required and no sign-up beforehand, said Cameron Moix, director of marketing and communications.

“Anyone is welcome to come and eat a meal,” he said. “This is a time to bring the community together.”

Residents who want to build relationships with people the rescue mission serves also are invited to attend, as “we believe that’s part of helping people recover,” Moix said.

The Christian-based organization normally serves 300 to 500 people at lunch daily and is expecting up to 1,000 people on Thursday.

On the menu: rice bowls with beans, donated locally raised meat, fresh vegetables, homemade tortillas and other items.

Several local dignitaries have volunteered to help dish up the food, including U.S. Rep. Jeff Crank, a Republican representing Colorado’s 5th Congressional District, former El Paso County Commissioner Stan VanderWerf and former Colorado Sen. Dennis Hisey.

“We used to do more outreach meals before we had a campus; this is an opportunity to do outreach and help people that otherwise might not come onto our campus,” Moix said.

Fifteen years from its founding in 2011, World Hunger Day is a global event that celebrates sustainable solutions to hunger and inspires action, according to The Hunger Project, the secretariat for the Movement for Community-led Development.

Hamburgers and more hamburgers

Last year, diners spent $115 billion at U.S. burger chain locations, according to Technomic, a foodservice researcher. Fast-food burger chains account for 20% of all consumer spending at chain restaurants, the company’s data shows.

For Thursday’s National Hamburger Day, which caps May being National Burger Month, many fast-food chains and restaurants are offering freebies and discounts. Here are some of the deals.

Burger King’s Loyalty Perks members can receive a free hamburger with the purchase of $3 or more using the Burger King app or website on Thursday at participating locations.

Whataburger customers can get a free Whataburger and a chance to win Whataburger for a year when they order a medium fry and medium drink, online or by scanning the app in-store.

With an order of $10 or more, customers of Shake Shack will receive a free ShackBurger. Use the promo code FREEBURGER when ordering online or through the Shake Shack app.

Steak ‘n Shake is giving away a free Double Steakburger on Thursday to anyone who wears or shows an American flag item, such as a hat, shirt or pin.

Sonic Rewards members can get a free SONIC Smasher or All-American Smasher with a $5 purchase through May 31.

My Rewards members at Carl’s Jr. can buy one, get one free for the Famous Star at participating restaurants on Thursday. New members who join that day automatically will get the deal.

Check individual restaurants for other specials.