06/05/2026
National Doughnut Day origins begin during WWI, which is also referred to as the First World War. Over 4 million U.S. men and women served during the war, with almost 3 million of those serving overseas. With conflicts taking place in Europe, the Middle East, Asia, Africa and the Pacific, WWI was most difficult for troops fighting on the front lines.
In 1917, a group of women, often referred to as Lassie's, were sent to the front lines in France by the Salvation Army. They were directed to set up field bases near the front lines to try to boost morale among troops. The makeshift "huts" were a place where soldiers could stock up on necessities and get a small break from the fighting. Little did they know the Salvation Army Lassie's would not only boost morale but make history in the creation of one of the most celebrated food holidays.
The women who were working at the field bases felt they wanted to do more than simply restocking troop supplies. They began making home-cooked food for the troops in hopes the food would give them a small taste of home. It was during this time; the Lassies began handing out a sweet baked treat that would become known as the Salvation Army Doughnut. The story says the doughnuts were cooked inside the helmets of the troops, dubbing them as "doughboys", which was a standard term used for donut. The Donut Lassies are said to be reason we have National Doughnut Day today!
