Food and Beverage
McDonald’s Monopoly Returns: Your Chance to Win Big Starting October 6
McDonald’s Monopoly: McDonald’s iconic MONOPOLY game returns on October 6, 2025, featuring both physical and digital game pieces. Customers can enjoy multiple chances to win exciting prizes while sharing a nostalgic experience. The promotion runs through November 2, 2025.
Last Updated on October 7, 2025 by Daily News Staff
Hold onto your top hats—the game that defined a generation is back.
McDonald’s Monopoly Returns
After nearly a decade away, McDonald’s iconic MONOPOLY game is making its triumphant return to the U.S. on October 6, 2025. But this isn’t just a nostalgic rerun. The Golden Arches are bringing the beloved promotion into the modern era with a digital twist that gives fans more ways to play—and more chances to win.
The Thrill of the Peel Gets a 21st-Century Upgrade
Remember the rush of peeling back those game pieces on your fries box? That classic experience is back, but now it’s joined by digital game pieces available through the McDonald’s app. It’s the best of both worlds: the tactile satisfaction of physical pieces meets the convenience of mobile play.
“Our fans have been clamoring for the return of MONOPOLY at McDonald’s, and we’re thrilled to bring it back with a modern, digital spin,” said Alyssa Buetikofer, Senior Vice President and Chief Marketing and Customer Experience Officer at McDonald’s USA. “This game is a core memory for so many customers, and we’re excited that those memories can now be shared across generations.”
And she’s right. For millions of Americans, McDonald’s MONOPOLY isn’t just a promotion—it’s a ritual, a shared experience that spans kitchen tables and car rides, parents and kids, winners and almost-winners.
Ready to get started? Download the McDonald’s app now and pre-register before October 5 to claim your 500 bonus MyMcDonald’s Rewards points.
How to Play (It’s Easier Than Landing on Boardwalk)
Getting in on the action is simple:
1. Register Early, Win Early
Download the McDonald’s app between September 29 and October 5 to pre-register and score 500 bonus MyMcDonald’s Rewards points. You’re basically winning before the game even starts.
2. Order Your Favorites
Starting October 6, more than 30 menu items are eligible for game pieces—from breakfast staples like the Egg McMuffin to lunch and dinner classics like the Quarter Pounder with Cheese and large fries. Some items come with physical game pieces; others unlock digital pieces when you order through the app.
3. Peel, Scan, and Play
Physical pieces? Peel them off your packaging and scan them in the app. Digital pieces? “Peel” them right on your phone. Either way, you’ll instantly see if you’ve won a prize or collected a property piece.
4. Double Your Chances with Bonus Play
Every game piece—win or lose—earns you a Bonus Play for a second shot at prizes through November 2. That means two chances to win with every eligible purchase.
Prizes Worth Playing For
This isn’t Monopoly money we’re talking about. The prize pool is stacked with rewards that range from delicious to life-changing:
- 1 million American Airlines AAdvantage miles (because who doesn’t want to fly first class for the next decade?)
- $50,000 vacation to a MONOPOLY GO! destination like Paris, Maui, or Tokyo
- $10,000 Lowe’s shopping spree (25 winners)
- 2026 Jeep Grand Cherokee Limited (5 winners)
- $1 million cash prize (paid out as $50,000 annually for 20 years)
- Exclusive Coca-Cola experiences for two
- And of course, free food galore—Bacon, Egg & Cheese Biscuits, Double Cheeseburgers, Snack Wraps, and MyMcDonald’s Rewards points
With 1-in-5 odds to win at the game’s outset (mostly food prizes), your chances are better than you might think.
A Game That Brings Generations Together
“MONOPOLY has been a cornerstone of play for nine decades, bringing families and friends together for fun and connection,” said Brian Baker, Senior Vice President of Board Games at Hasbro. “This iconic promotion captures that same spirit.”
He’s onto something. In a world where so much feels fragmented, there’s something beautifully simple about bonding over a shared game piece, a collected property set, or the collective groan when someone else snags Park Place.
No Purchase? No Problem.
Want to play but don’t want to buy? McDonald’s has you covered. Visit amoe.playatmcd.com to request a game piece without purchase. The promotion runs through November 2, 2025 (or while game pieces last), with a final deadline to play any game piece by 11:59:59 p.m. local time on November 23, 2025.
The Bottom Line
McDonald’s MONOPOLY is more than a promotion—it’s a cultural moment. Whether you’re a veteran who remembers the original runs or a first-timer curious about the hype, this is your chance to peel, play, and maybe—just maybe—win big.
So download the app, pre-register for those bonus points, and get ready. Starting October 6, the game is on.
For full rules, prize details, and more information, visit playatmcd.com.
Don’t just dream of MONOPOLY Money—play for the real thing. The next big winner could be you.
Our Lifestyle section on STM Daily News is a hub of inspiration and practical information, offering a range of articles that touch on various aspects of daily life. From tips on family finances to guides for maintaining health and wellness, we strive to empower our readers with knowledge and resources to enhance their lifestyles. Whether you’re seeking outdoor activity ideas, fashion trends, or travel recommendations, our lifestyle section has got you covered. Visit us today at https://stmdailynews.com/category/lifestyle/ and embark on a journey of discovery and self-improvement.
Fifty volunteers joined Diana Gregory Outreach Services and community partners on November 5, with support from AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation.
PHOENIX — Fresh produce and community support came together Thursday morning, November 5, 2026, as Veggies for Veterans distributed 700 grocery bags during an event hosted by the Phoenix VA Health Care System.
The Diana Gregory Outreach Services (DGOS) program brought together 50 volunteers to help provide veterans with nutritious food. Each bag contained a variety of 13 fruits and vegetables, according to the event results supplied by organizers.
The effort also received a contribution from Peddler’s Son, which donated a five-pound bag of Idaho potatoes and a bag of grapes for each veteran.
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation Lead Financial Support
AARP, State Farm, and BHHS Legacy Foundation were the event’s three largest financial sponsors, helping make the distribution possible.
Volunteers represented all three organizations, along with the Archer Ragsdale Arizona Chapter Tuskegee Airmen, Inc. Arizona Community Foundation and Santander also contributed volunteer support.
AARP Arizona State Director Dana Marie Kennedy attended the event. AARP’s participation included volunteers and an outreach table featuring candy and AARP-branded giveaway items for attendees and veterans.
Together, the financial contributions, donated food, and volunteer service supported an event centered on veterans and their access to fresh produce.
A Special Guest With a Remarkable Service History
Among those attending was 106-year-old Major Fannie Griffin McClendon, whose military career connects the gathering to an extraordinary chapter in American history.
McClendon served during World War II with the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, widely known as the “Six Triple Eight.” The historic unit of Black women soldiers helped process a massive backlog of military mail in Europe.
Her service continued beyond World War II. The Library of Congress documents her later career in the Air Force, including service as a squadron commander.
Her attendance offered an opportunity to recognize a veteran whose career helped break barriers for Black women in the military.
More Than a Bag of Groceries
Veggies for Veterans’ purpose extends beyond the food distributed at an individual event. The program focuses on helping veterans access fresh produce while creating opportunities for connection and community support.
Grocery costs, transportation, and mobility can make obtaining nutritious food difficult. Bringing produce directly to veterans through VA and community settings is one way the program works to address those barriers.
The November 5 distribution also reflected the collective work behind that support: an organization coordinating the effort, a VA host, financial sponsors, a food donor, and volunteers contributing their time.
With 700 bags distributed and 50 volunteers participating, the event demonstrated how community partnerships can translate into practical support for veterans.
Readers interested in learning more about the program, volunteering, or exploring ways to support its work can visit Diana Gregory Outreach Services.
Reporting note: Event results, sponsor recognition, donations, volunteer participation, and attendee information were supplied for this recap. Historical background on Major McClendon is supported by the Library of Congress.
Sources and Further Information
- Diana Gregory Outreach Services — Veggies for Veterans
- Phoenix VA — November 5 Veggies for Veterans event listing
- Library of Congress — Fannie Griffin McClendon
Food
Campbell’s 2026 State of the Sides Report Puts Holiday Favorites Center Stage
Campbell’s 2026 State of the Sides Report finds Americans are serving more Thanksgiving sides, with green bean casserole and mac & cheese leading the table.
Thanksgiving may be known for turkey, but Campbell’s latest research suggests the real stars of the holiday table are the dishes around it.
Campbell’s has released its fifth annual State of the Sides Report, finding that Americans are placing even more importance on the casseroles, potatoes, pasta and stuffing that define a holiday meal. Based on a survey of 5,017 U.S. adults who celebrate Thanksgiving, the 2026 report paints a familiar picture: tradition still matters, but home cooks are also looking for convenience and flexibility.
Sides Take the Spotlight
The appetite for side dishes is clear. Campbell’s reports that 80% of Americans enjoy cooking the sides more than the turkey, an 11-point increase from 2023. Meanwhile, 86% expect to serve at least four side dishes this Thanksgiving, with a median of five per table.
That enthusiasm is particularly strong among younger generations. Nearly two-thirds of Gen Z respondents, along with 56% of Millennials, said they would be happy eating an all-sides meal.
The nation’s top five Thanksgiving sides have remained consistent for the past three years, though their order has shifted slightly:
- Green bean casserole
- Macaroni and cheese
- Yams or sweet potatoes
- Mashed potatoes
- Stuffing or dressing
Campbell’s estimates those holiday menus will add up to roughly 749 million side dishes served nationwide.
Green Bean Casserole Holds Its Ground
Green bean casserole continues to stand out as one of the most emotionally connected dishes on the table. Sixty-seven percent of those surveyed said it reminds them of Thanksgivings past, and only 19% said they would alter its recipe—the lowest share among the top five sides.
The dish, developed more than 75 years ago in Campbell’s Test Kitchen by Dorcas Reilly, has stayed close to its original five-ingredient formula. Campbell’s says 69% of Americans believe it is best prepared with cream of mushroom or cream of celery soup, while 87% name Campbell’s Soup as their preferred option for making it.
The seasonal demand is substantial: Campbell’s sells nearly 40 million cans of Cream of Mushroom soup during the holiday period. Over the last five holiday seasons, the company says it has sold more than 308 million cans.
Mac and Cheese Brings Everyone Together
If green bean casserole is rooted in nostalgia, macaroni and cheese is positioned as the crowd-pleaser. Fifty-seven percent of respondents described it as the side dish everyone can agree on, and it remains Gen Z’s top side for the second consecutive year.
It is also a dish that rarely lingers. Forty-two percent said there are never leftovers when mac and cheese is served. For many cooks, simplicity is part of its appeal: 46% cited easy preparation as a reason for choosing it for a holiday meal.
Tradition, With Space for New Ideas
The report points to a holiday table that is both traditional and adaptable. Americans are holding onto family and cultural recipes while making room for new flavors, shortcuts and sources of inspiration—including AI-assisted meal planning.
For Campbell’s, the findings reinforce a simple conclusion: while holiday menus may evolve, sides remain the dishes that make the gathering feel complete.
Campbell’s commissioned the survey in August and September 2026 through independent research organization Reputation Leaders. National results carry a margin of error of plus or minus 1.4 percentage points.
For more information and holiday recipe ideas, visit Campbell’s Sides Season.
Recipe of the Week
Warm Up Autumn Days with Rich, Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Nothing screams fall quite like pumpkins, and as the weather gets cooler, there’s no better way to enjoy them than in a hot bowl of homemade soup. Roasting a whole pumpkin or kabocha squash creates deeper, richer flavors in this Creamy Pumpkin Soup recipe.
Warm Up Autumn Days with Rich, Creamy Pumpkin Soup
(Feature Impact) Nothing screams fall quite like pumpkins, and as the weather gets cooler, there’s no better way to enjoy them than in a hot bowl of homemade soup.
Roasting a whole pumpkin or kabocha squash creates deeper, richer flavors in this Creamy Pumpkin Soup recipe, but if you don’t have much time to spend in the kitchen, canned pumpkin offers a convenient alternative. Aromatic onion and garlic join warm autumnal spices like ginger and cardamom for a bowl with harmonizing layers of flavor.
Whether you want a pot of pumpkin soup simmering on the stove on a rainy day or plan to serve it as a sophisticated holiday appetizer, this recipe is a delicious way to make the most of the season’s harvest.
Find more seasonal recipe inspiration at Culinary.net.
Creamy Pumpkin Soup
Recipe adapted from Love and Lemons
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 1 hour, 20 minutes
Servings: 6
- 1 pumpkin or kabocha squash (about 4 pounds)
- 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus more for drizzling, divided
- 1 teaspoon sea salt, plus more for sprinkling, divided
- freshly ground black pepper
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 1 shallot, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, chopped
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1/2 teaspoon turmeric
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom
- 1 can (14 ounces) full-fat coconut milk, divided
- 2 1/2 cups vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- water (optional)
- cayenne pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup roasted pumpkin seeds (optional)
- Preheat oven to 400 F and line baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Cut pumpkin in half and scoop out seeds. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper then place cut side down on baking sheet. Roast 40-60 minutes, or until soft. Allow to cool then peel away skin and measure 4 1/2 packed cups of flesh.
- In large pot or Dutch oven, heat 2 tablespoons olive oil over medium-low heat. Add onion and shallot and cook 12-15 minutes until softened and caramelized.
- Add 1 teaspoon salt, garlic, ginger, cumin, coriander, turmeric and cardamom; stir 30-60 seconds until spices are aromatic. Stir in cooked pumpkin; coconut milk, reserving some for garnish; and broth. Simmer 20 minutes then stir in vinegar.
- Transfer to high-powered blender, working in batches if necessary, or use immersion blender and blend until smooth. If soup is too thick, gradually add up to 1 1/2 cups water until desired consistency is reached.
- Pour into bowls and garnish with additional coconut milk, salt, pepper, dash of cayenne and pumpkin seeds, if desired.
Substitution: For convenience, use two cans (15 ounces each) of pumpkin puree instead of whole pumpkin.
Photo courtesy of Unsplash
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