National Doughnut Day is a beloved celebration honoring both the sweet treat and the brave women who served doughnuts to soldiers during World War I. This special day combines delicious indulgence with meaningful historical significance.
Quick Facts
When is it: First Friday in June
Tagged as: National Doughnut Day or National Donut Day
What’s the hashtag: #NationalDoughnutDay or #NationalDonutDay
When was it founded: 1938
Who founded it: The Salvation Army Chicago branch
History of National Doughnut Day
The celebration originated with the Salvation Army “Doughnut Lassies” who served fresh doughnuts to American soldiers during WWI. These women used soldier helmets as makeshift fryers, starting with just 150 doughnuts per day and eventually scaling up to 9,000 daily. The holiday was officially established as a fundraiser during the Great Depression.
Timeline
- 1917: First “Salvation Army Doughnut” served in WWI
- 1938: First official National Doughnut Day celebration
- 1939-1945: Tradition continued through WWII
- 1955-1975: Doughnuts served during Vietnam War
Dates by Next Year
| Year | Month | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2024 | June | 7 | Friday |
| 2025 | June | 6 | Friday |
| 2026 | June | 5 | Friday |
| 2027 | June | 4 | Friday |
| 2028 | June | 2 | Friday |
| 2029 | June | 1 | Friday |
How It’s Observed
Many bakeries and coffee shops offer free or discounted doughnuts. People celebrate by enjoying their favorite varieties and sharing them with first responders, nursing stations, or charities.
Fun Facts About Doughnuts
- Americans consume over 10 billion doughnuts annually
- Boston has the most doughnut shops per person
- The first doughnut machine was invented in 1920
- Both “doughnut” and “donut” spellings are acceptable
- Similar treats exist worldwide, like Indian jalebi and Indonesian donut kentang
Quiz
- Who founded Dunkin’ Donuts?
- Which organization made doughnuts popular in the US?
- Why do doughnuts have holes?
Answers:
- William Rosenberg
- Salvation Army
- For even cooking and to prevent raw centers
FAQs
- Why was National Doughnut Day created?
- How many doughnuts do Americans eat per year?
- What’s the correct spelling: donut or doughnut?
Related Days
- National Jelly-Filled Donut Day (June 8)
- National Cream-Filled Donut Day (September 14)
- National Donut Appreciation Day (November 5)