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Krispy Kreme Offers A Free Doughnut A Day For Those Vaccinated Triggering Conversation For Obesity

Krispy Kreme has offered its customers a sweet incentive to get the Covid-19 vaccine by giving away a donut a day. Available all across the United States, those who show up with their vaccination card will receive a free Original Glazed doughnut. The company has specified that those who have received at least one of the two shots of the Moderna or Pfizer vaccine, or one shot of the Johnson & Johnson vaccine will be eligible for the promotion.

Customers should note that this is not just a one time offer. Each day the guest goes back to the well-known doughnut shop, they will continue getting a free doughnut until the end of 2021. The offer however is only available through drive-thrus or online stores, excluding delivery and online orders.

Company’s Statement 

In a press release, the company mentioned that they will also support health care workers and volunteers who are distributing vaccines, by providing free donuts to vaccination centers all around the country. Employees are also given the opportunity to have four hours of paid work time in order to get the vaccine.

“We all want to get COVID-19 behind us as fast as possible and we want to support everyone doing their part to make the country safe by getting vaccinated as soon as the vaccine is available to them,” Dave Skena, Krispy Kreme’s Chief Marketing Officer said in a statement. The company has previously expressed its good intentions by giving away 30 million doughnuts to students, teachers, coaches, healthcare workers, and others.

Skena also mentioned that the offer is available in 369 shops located in 41 states, being “anytime, any day, every day for the rest of the year,” with no prior purchase necessary.

“We wanted it to be big enough to sort of catch people’s attention and spread awareness,” Dave Skena said. “I think anything anyone can do to help show support for those getting the vaccine is a good thing right now and so we’re just trying to do what little we can.”

We'd like to show sweet support to those who have received the COVID-19 Vaccine. Starting today, bring your Vaccine Card to a Krispy Kreme shop and get 1 FREE Original Glazed doughnut. No chance to get your Vaccine? This will run thru end of 2021. Info at https://t.co/gWnWhXOKKq pic.twitter.com/UqmDLne5E9

— Krispy Kreme (@krispykreme) March 22, 2021

Similar Policies By Other Companies 

Multiple companies including Tyson, Target, Trader Joe’s, McDonald’s, and Aldi are presenting similar policies to help their employees. By giving them paid time off, they are able to get the vaccine and have increased flexibility, not worrying that they will miss time from their duties.

The Biden Administration has estimated that by the beginning of May, every adult in the United States will be eligible to get the vaccine. Currently, 124 million doses have been given nationally, with 44.1 million being fully vaccinated, equating to 13.45% of the population.

Positive Reactions 

Donut lovers all around the country were enthused following Krispy Kreme’s announcement, as it worked towards their advantage. Funny memes were created by Twitter users and shared all across the platform.

me driving to the closest covid-19 vaccine clinic so i can get my free krispy kreme donut https://t.co/KVpAgbKNjI

— sita (playing totk) (@twilisita) March 22, 2021

Me, in Krispy Kreme tryna get my free donut without proof of vaccine pic.twitter.com/zhc65eiR4C

— The Sopranos Guy (@uncle_june) March 22, 2021

Obesity Related Backlash 

Even though it may seem as an action that comes with no consequences, some comments proved the opposite. Obesity was mentioned by a ton as a national issue in the United States, and that by offering this incentive, one problem would be traded for another.

Obesity is one of the primary factors that affects your response to COVID and these fuckers are giving away a donut a day if you’re vaccinated. Everything is so dumb. https://t.co/4j6i50VNFH

— Bridget Phetasy (@BridgetPhetasy) March 22, 2021

Krispy Kreme is offering a free donut every day of 2021 to anyone who has been fully vaccinated.

But that sounds like you're trading one problem for another.

— BrooklynDad_Defiant! (@mmpadellan) March 22, 2021

Krispy Kreme wants to give free donuts for people to get vaccines. Would you like a side of diabetes with that?

— CCG BRYSON (@RealBrysonGray) March 22, 2021

Krispy Kreme offering free doughnuts for getting vaccinated is like Marlboro offering free cigarettes for getting a flu shot. We have an obesity epidemic in this country that is killing us. Corporations that ride the COVID-19 vaccine as a marketing ploy for junk food is terrible.

— Eugene Gu, MD (@eugenegu) March 22, 2021

A harsh response by some, diminishing the company’s initial purpose to push people to get the vaccine. Krispy Kreme is yet to make a statement regarding the backlash.