Those of us fighting the good fight against unhealthy diets, obesity, and the ailments they cause did a big palm-to-face smack this week.
A KFC franchise in Utah launched a promotional fundraiser to their patrons. It was advertised that with every $2.99 purchase of a KFC 64-ounce Big Jug drink, $1 would go to the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation.
One has to wonder how that planning meeting was conducted and who was the rising star who came up with this idea. However, the franchise owner has a personal connection to the disease and the promotion did run as advertised.
A spokesperson for the Junior Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) responded after the fundraiser received so much attention. It was clarified that the JDRF supports research for type 1 diabetes and not type 2. Type 1 diabetes is an auto immune disease and not an onset disease caused by obesity or consuming too much junk food.
The representative is correct in stating that the two types are very different in their causes. Type 1 often begins afflicting people in childhood and they are forced to receive insulin for the rest of their lives. Type 2 diabetes can be directly linked to high sugar diets and inactivity. The simple sugars that load up a soda, especially 64 ounces of soda, are the exact ingredients that can lead to the dangerous disease.
While the intentions of the restaurant owner seem to be good, it seems like they may have missed the mark. The promotion gained attention for sure. However, it seems that it could have been more effective if the fast-food restaurant offered the incentive on one of the healthier menu items. Even if the money goes towards type 1 research, it seems doubtful that those walking around with insulin pumps have been encouraged to drink 64 ounces of soda as a part of their diabetic diet.
Ok, the damage has been done, and doubtfully will it take place again. Rub that sting on your forehead from smacking your face earlier. Perhaps this story actually helped a few more people learn the truths about diabetes. One can only hope.
Via: The Consumerist