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Olive Garden is offering free to-go meals amid coronavirus outbreak

The Italian-American chain started offering the new promotion Monday.
Olive Garden is offering prepackaged meals.
Olive Garden is offering prepackaged meals. Olive Garden
/ Source: TODAY

As more restaurants have been mandated to offer only takeout or delivery service amid the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, Olive Garden is offering a new buy-one, get-one meal deal — and, in true never-ending style, customers are able to use it as many times as they like.

This is the first time in the restaurant's history that a promotion is being offered solely as a takeout or delivery option.

Guests will be able to choose between several hot "Buy One" options, like the chain's classic fettuccine Alfredo, cheese ravioli, lasagna or chicken Parmigiana. Then, they can select a "Take One" option (of equal or lesser value), which will be packaged up and chilled, ready to be popped in the freezer or fridge for a next-day meal. Orders can be placed online or by phone, and entrees start at $12.99.

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If customers spend more than $40 in most states, they'll be able to get their meals delivered free of charge. Residents in California, Oregon and Washington must have orders of $75 or more to qualify for free delivery. Like many other delivery services, Olive Garden is offering a contactless option. Guests who decide to pick up their orders can also do so without leaving their vehicle — a server from the restaurant will bring the food right to their car for curbside pickup.

"We hope this helps bring comfort and convenience to families during this difficult time," an Olive Garden spokesperson said in an emailed statement.

The spokesperson also confirmed that there is no end date to the promotion at this time and there is also no limit on how many "Buy One, Take One" meals can be ordered.

Olive Garden isn't the only restaurant providing affordable options for consumers during the ongoing health crisis.

Burger King recently announced that it would be offering free kids' meals with certain purchases and other eateries, like Sweetgreen, have been providing free meals to medical professionals.