Free Doughnut Promo For Those Vaccinated Sparks Twitter Debate

A Winston-Salem-based company's promotion to sweeten the deal for getting a COVID-19 vaccination is getting some backlash on social media.

No good deed goes unpunished. Days after Krispy Kreme announced one free original doughnut to anyone who shows a valid vaccination card, some health experts took to Twitter to criticize the company's offer. It can be redeemed every day through 2021. 

Critics say obesity and diabetes are an issue across the country and eating a doughnut every day, regardless if it's free or not just isn't a healthy thing to do.

But others showed support for the company's gesture, saying anything that provides an incentive to get people vaccinated or encourage a smile during a difficult time is something that should be applauded.

Krispy Kreme says it's not asking people to get a free Original Glazed doughnut every day, and like many sweet treats, they should be enjoyed in moderation. The company says it's making the offer available through the end of the year because not everyone is eligible to get the shot right now.

"From the onset of COVID-19, Krispy Kreme has rolled out several Acts of Joy acknowledging and aiding healthcare workers, students, teachers, coaches, neighbors and others with more than 30 million free doughnuts for themselves and to share safely with others. ... Providing free Original Glazed doughnuts to those who get vaccinated is another gesture that we hope sweetens people's lives as the country accelerates to put this virus behind us," the company said in a statement.

Krispy Kreme was founded in Winston-Salem in 1937. Today, it has nearly 1,400 retail shops in 33 countries.

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*Follow WFDD's Keri Brown on Twitter @kerib_news