By Lori Perkins
Since we’ve emerged from this long, cruel winter, I’ve been making a concerted effort to find my joy” daily. I got my second CIBID-19 vaccine shot this weekend and remembered that Krispy Kreme had a national offer to give any customer who could prove that they had been vaccinated a free Original glazed doughnut. Since my vaccination site was a mere 10 blocks away from a Krispy Kreme store, I went right over with my card and effortlessly received what I had to say was the best doughnut of my life, with a “thank you,” in the process.
Made my day.
Until yesterday, when I read that some pundits are lambasting Krispy Kreme for this policy since it could encourage people get a free doughnut every day until the end of the year (the policy is that you may get a doughnut every day until December 31st with proof of vaccination). Critics claim that many people have gained weight already as a result of being shut in this year and not exercising, and this pro-vaccination incentive encourages obesity and weight gain.
In a recent interview with Yahoo Finance, Krispy Kreme CEO Mike Tattersfield responded, “We’re a sweet treat company…If folks don’t want to visit a doughnut shop, they don’t have to.”
He added that if “folks that want to get a vaccine, if they decide to combine a Krispy Kreme pickup (for) a doughnut, they can. That’s how we look at it… generosity.”
Dr. Leana Wen, an emergency physician and visiting professor of health policy and management at the George Washington University Milken Institute School of Public Health tweeted, “every incentive helps & free doughnuts may help move the needle. However, donuts are a treat that’s not good for health if eaten every day.”
Even if you don’t have a vaccination card, Krispy Kreme has a free offer for you – on Mondays you can get a free doughnut and coffee through May 24th.
We hear that NYC icon Junior’s Cheesecake is also offering a free mini cheesecake for those who can prove vaccination through Memorial Day. I can just imagine the vitriol that is coming their way.