Get Prepared for National Doughnut Day

Once again a national (US) “food holiday” is on the horizon. Friday, June 7 is National Doughnut Day, but this one isn’t just another arbitrary food holiday cooked up by a commercial enterprise – this special day has roots that go back over a century. According to the Salvation Army, the origins of National Doughnut Day stretch back to 1917, when 250 Salvation Army volunteers were looking for a way to provide comfort to U.S. troops who were fighting on the front lines during WWI. They landed on the idea of frying doughnuts and serving them to the soldiers.  

Facing limited resources, organizers came up with the clever solution of frying donuts in soldiers’ helmets. The volunteers were dubbed “Doughnut Lassies” by the troops. However, the first “holiday” didn’t occur until some 20 years after the doughnut frying event, when The Salvation Army celebrated Doughnut Day on the first Friday in June, 1938, to honor the Lassies. Along with the history, the Salvation Army includes a recipe for the WWI doughnuts.

Doughnut chains around the world as well as local bakeries and coffee shops are offering free doughnuts to customers, including Krispy Kreme and Dunkin’ Donuts. Food and Wine has a list of U.S. chains and independent shops that are offering freebies. If you have a favorite near you, check out their social media or website to see if they have a deal. Some places offer free doughnuts to anyone who walks in the door, while others offer discounts or have created special editions for the holiday. If you would rather celebrate at home, browse the EYB Library’s recipes for fried doughnuts or baked doughnuts.