National Donut Day is more than just free donut offers

Are you celebrating National Donut Day? The first Friday in June marks this food holiday, but do you know the whole story behind this annual celebration?

National Donut Day is the perfect excuse to have a donut, or several donuts, or a donut at every meal. While the annual food holiday might be the allowable reason to break from the healthy eating norm, the holiday is more than a sweet treat bonanza.

Celebrating the donut started back in 1938 when the Salvation Army created a fundraiser during The Great Depression. It was said to honor the women (Salvation Army “Lassies” who served the World War I soldiers doughnuts to help with morale.

While some brands and companies continue to use the annual food celebration to raise funds and awareness for the Salvation Army, the majority of celebrations involve free donuts. This year, as you eat your donuts, why not give a moment to remember the history behind the food holiday. And, maybe share a donut with someone to brighten their day.

Check out these fun National Donut Day celebrations.

Dunkin’ Donuts

With any beverage purchased, you can receive a Dunkin’ free donut. The offer last all day long.

Krispy Kreme

Every customer gets a free donut at Krispy Kreme. No purchase is necessary. Plus, it is the first Friday on the month, which should me that the chocolate glaze donut is available. Will Krispy Kreme give away 1 million donuts this year?

Walmart

While supplies last, customers can get a free glazed donut in stories on Friday. Couldn’t a free donut make your Walmart shopping a little sweeter?

Voodoo Doughnut

According to BuzzFeed, they are reporting that the doughnuts with magic in the hole will be offering Homer doughnuts (the pink iced doughnuts) for just $1. That discount is a great excuse to head to one of the participating locations.

Cumberland Farms

At some of the newer locations, guests can get a free donut with the purchase of a dispensed beverage (guess that means no bottles or cans). The offer is only available from 5 a.m. till 10 a.m.

Entenmann’s

While not necessarily a free donut, you can enter the Fan Flavor Challenge and Sweepstakes. Create your own donut flavor and you could win a year’s supply of donuts, and other prizes.

How will you celebrate National Donut Day? Do you know of a great donut deal that we missed?