Krispy Kreme is giving a free donut a day for a year to those who have been vaccinated, but not everyone thinks this is a good offer.
The company announced on Monday that customers who show a valid vaccination card at a Krispy Kreme store can receive a free glazed donut every day for the rest of 2021 at participating locations. But critics say the offer excludes those who do not want the vaccine. Others say the promotion is extremely bad for your health.
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“We would like to show our sweet support to those who received the COVID-19 vaccine,” the company posted on Instagram Monday. “Starting today, take your COVID-19 Vaccination Card to a Krispy Kreme store near you and receive 1 FREE Original Glazed donut! Didn’t have a chance to get a Vaccine? This offer will be valid until the end of 2021.”
“Each person who goes out and gets this vaccine brings us much closer to a post-COVID America, which makes us very excited,” said Dave Skena, director of marketing and global brand director for Krispy Kreme, Kristen of NBC. Dahlgren over the weekend TODAY. “And then, if we can show our support with a tasty snack, this is what we want to do.”
But not everyone liked the idea of the draw, some calling it discrimination against those who don’t want the vaccine. A Twitter commentator wrote that Krispy Kreme was part of the “indoctrination of American citizens”.
“I can’t believe that people really fall for this ad,” another tweeted. “… amazing how many ignorant and naive weak-minded people are walking this planet right now … throw your life away … reprogram your DNA … all for a card showing you cooperated … and a donut.”
Krispy Kreme addressed the hesitation of the vaccine, calling it “a highly personal decision” and is also offering a free donut and coffee to everyone on Mondays through May 24, regardless of whether or not they have vaccinated.
But others were still concerned about the health effects of one donut a day, as specified in the drawing. A doctor pointed out that eating a donut a day could result in a weight gain of 15 pounds by the end of 2021.
“Hey @krispykreme, I love that you want to thank people for receiving the # covid19 #vacina!” tweeted Dr. Leana Wen, emergency physician and visiting professor at the Milken Institute School of Public Health at George Washington University. “Each incentive helps and free donuts can help move the needle. However, donuts are a treat that is not good for your health if eaten every day.”
Kate Bernyk wrote an opinion article for NBC News and said the reaction against donuts is about embarrassing fat and embarrassing people for their food choices and weight gain.
“I don’t think it was a donut for me,” she said. I think it’s just another opportunity to judge someone’s choices or someone’s appearance. “
Krispy Kreme is not the first company to offer promotions during the pandemic. The owner of a New Jersey gym is offering free registrations to people who don’t get the vaccine. Others are offering vaccinated beer, popcorn or arcade tokens at a discount to vaccinees.
“Last week, on St. Patrick’s Day, I was thinking about it, we gave everyone a donut in green,” said Skena.
Dr. Ashish Jha, a doctor and dean at Brown University School of Public Health, said that if a free donut gets more people to be vaccinated, he is in favor.
“Satisfied, @krispykreme is offering free daily donuts to those who have been vaccinated. If that improves the business for you to be vaccinated, I am totally in.” he tweeted. “And now, I prefer not to hear about donuts and the weight gain pandemic, folks. Pandemic.”