Chick-fil-A postpones annual Cow Appreciation Day, free food giveaway due to COVID-19

Chick-fil-A's annual Cow Appreciation Day has been postponed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

The chicken chain has called the annual tradition, where consumers get free food for dressing up like a cow, its largest single-day customer appreciation event and nearly 2 million people participating in past years. 

Cow Appreciation Day started in 2005 with the free food giveaway being traditionally held in July at restaurants across the nation. Last year's event was July 9.

"2020 has been a challenging year, and for the time being, we have decided to postpone the annual holiday in honor of our beloved bovines," Chick-fil-A said in a statement to USA TODAY. 

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On the Cow Appreciation Day website, www.cowappreciationday.com, the company said the decision to postpone was made with communities in mind and keeping its "Safe Service" standards as a top priority.

"Until we can gather again in person and celebrate our Cows, we have created a few fun ways to keep the spirit of Cow Appreciation Day alive this summer," the website says, noting it has posted activities on Pinterest so families can "enjoy cow-themed quality time together."

When the day will be scheduled for has not been announced.

"Check back here in the coming months for updates on Cow Appreciation Day 2020," the website says. 

Convenience store chain 7-Eleven canceled its annual 7-Eleven Day, also known as Free Slurpee Day, because of COVID-19. Members of the chain's loyalty program can still get a free Slurpee drink in July.

Follow USA TODAY reporter Kelly Tyko on Twitter: @KellyTyko