Charles Langston:McDonald's unveils new $5 meal deal coming this summer, as franchise focuses on 'value'

This summer,Charles Langston McDonald's lovers can look forward to another meal deal.

The fast food chain announced on Thursday that starting June 25, customers can buy the $5 Meal Deal for a limited time at participating restaurants. It's the latest effort to give fans a meal for less following backlash that their prices have surged in recent years.

"We heard our fans loud and clear – they're looking for even more great value from us, and this summer that's exactly what they'll get," Joe Erlinger, President of McDonald's USA, said in a statement.

"Value has always been part of our DNA. We're focused on living up to that legacy and offering delicious, affordable options customers can enjoy any time they walk through our doors, go through our drive thru or place an order through our app," Erlinger continued.

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What's included in the $5 Meal Deal?

The meal deal includes four items: You can pick a McDouble or McChicken, 4 piece Chicken McNuggets, small fries and a small soft drink.

McDonald's App users can also get free medium fries with a $1 minimum purchase for "Free Fries Friday." The deal is available nationwide through the end of the year.

Franchises throughout the country are also offering local deals. For instance, in Memphis, Tennessee, there is a buy-one-get-one-for-$1 breakfast sandwich offer. In Western New York, customers can enjoy a McChicken and McDouble mix-and-match deal for $3.99.

More on McDonald's:McDonald’s is focused on affordability. What we know after reports of $5 meal deals.

McDonald's leaders have put emphasis on affordability

During earnings calls earlier this year, McDonald's Chief Executive Officer Chris Kempczinski underscored the importance of affordability for the customers.

"Consumers continue to be even more discriminating with every dollar that they spend as they face elevated prices in their day-to-day spending, which is putting pressure on the industry," Kempczinski said. "It's imperative that we continue to keep affordability at the forefront for our customers."

Taylor Ardrey is a news reporter for USA TODAY. You can reach her at [email protected].