National Nurses Week 2021 featured a wide array of freebies and discounts offered by businesses across the United States to honor healthcare workers. These promotions, which included free food, beverages, products, and service discounts, were primarily available during the week of May 6 through May 12, with some offers extending through the end of the year. Eligibility generally required proof of employment, such as a valid medical, state, or federal service ID, and many offers were subject to availability or specific redemption instructions. The following article provides a detailed overview of these promotions based on verified reports.
Food and Beverage Offers
A significant number of participating businesses in National Nurses Week 2021 were in the food and beverage sector. These ranged from national fast-food chains to casual dining restaurants, offering free meals, snacks, and beverages to healthcare workers.
Dunkin’
Dunkin’ offered a free medium hot or iced coffee to healthcare workers on May 6, 2021. The promotion was available at participating locations with the presentation of a valid ID. No purchase was necessary, and the offer was valid while supplies lasted.
Chipotle
Chipotle provided 250,000 free burritos to healthcare workers. The promotion went live on April 29, 2021, at 10:00 AM PT. Eligible participants could apply for a free burrito on the Chipotle website. The offer was valid through May 31, 2021, while supplies lasted.
Starbucks
Starbucks offered a free tall coffee throughout the month of December 2021 to frontline healthcare providers and first responders. Eligible individuals included doctors, nurses, firefighters, paramedics, police officers, dentists, and hospital staff.
Other Food and Beverage Promotions
- Insomnia Cookies: Offered a free cookie for all healthcare workers.
- Smashburger: Offered a free Hot Crispy Sandwich for emergency service workers.
- McAlister’s Deli: Through May 6, 2021, the chain was taking nominations for a nurse to win free catering. Those who submitted a nomination received a free tea promotion code to use within 14 days, provided they were a member of the McAlister’s Deli rewards program. Winners were announced on May 7, 2021.
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop: Nurses received one free cookie or fountain drink with the purchase of an entree through May 12, 2021.
- Tijuana Flats: Nurses received a free entrée on May 7, 2021, by using the code TYVM2575 at checkout. A valid ID was required when picking up the order. The maximum value of the free item was $9.99 plus tax. The chain noted a limited menu online and on the app due to projected high order volume.
- Zaxby’s: The chain offered nurses with a valid ID a buy-one-get-one Big Zax Snak Meal on May 6, 2021, while supplies lasted.
- O’Charley’s Restaurant + Bar: Nurses received a free slice of pie when dining in with a valid ID from May 6 through May 12, 2021. One free piece of pie per check was allowed, and the deal was not valid with any other offer or discount.
- PDQ: Through May 13, 2021, customers received $1 off every box with the purchase of 10 or more boxed lunches.
Product Freebies
Several companies offered free products to healthcare workers during Nurses Week 2021 and beyond. These included footwear, personal care items, and wellness subscriptions.
Crocs
Crocs gave away 10,000 free pairs of shoes daily starting May 10, 2021, through May 14, 2021. This promotion was for healthcare workers.
Gillette
Gillette offered a free SkinGuard Razor for healthcare workers.
European Wax Center
European Wax Center offered a free wax for frontline workers, including healthcare/pharmacy, postal/shipping fulfillment, grocery, and first responders.
Headspace
Headspace offered Headspace Plus for free to the unemployed, healthcare providers, and educators.
QVC
QVC offered a $10 gift card for healthcare workers and teachers.
Service and Retail Discounts
In addition to food and product freebies, various businesses provided discounts on services and retail purchases.
The Parking Spot
The Parking Spot, a near-airport parking company with 37 lots across 22 U.S. cities, offered a "Healthcare Heroes" discount. From May 6 through May 12, 2021, nurses received 25% off airport parking and 10% off thereafter. Eligible individuals needed to sign up for the discount at theparkingspot.com.
Tire and Auto Services
- Tire Kingdom and NTB Tire & Service Centers: Offered ongoing discounts for healthcare workers who showed their ID. These included a conventional oil change for $18.99, 10% off tires, and 20% off services.
- Outback Steakhouse: Offered a 10% Heroes Discount every day for healthcare workers, as well as active and former military members, police, firefighters, and first responders. A valid medical, state, or federal service ID was required.
Other Service and Retail Discounts
- Panda Express: Extended its 10% discount for frontline workers, including nurses, through December 31, 2021. A valid ID was required to receive the discount.
- Verizon: Offered "Those Who Serve" pricing plans for Verizon Wireless mobile and Fios home internet for both new and existing customers.
Eligibility and Redemption Rules
Eligibility for these freebies and discounts generally required individuals to be healthcare workers, including nurses, doctors, medical staff, and other frontline workers. Proof of employment, such as a valid medical, state, or federal service ID, was frequently required for in-person offers. For online or app-based offers, specific codes or sign-ups were often necessary.
Many offers were subject to availability, with phrases like "while supplies last" commonly used. Some promotions were time-sensitive, available only on specific dates, such as May 6, 2021, or during the National Nurses Week period from May 6 to May 12, 2021. Others, like the Panda Express discount and Starbucks offer, extended into later months of 2021.
For offers requiring sign-ups or nominations, such as The Parking Spot discount or McAlister’s Deli catering nomination, participants needed to follow specific instructions on the company’s website. Some offers, like the McAlister’s Deli free tea, required membership in a rewards program for redemption.
Conclusion
National Nurses Week 2021 saw a broad range of businesses offering freebies and discounts to healthcare workers as a gesture of appreciation. These promotions spanned food and beverage, products, and services, with many requiring valid identification for redemption. While some offers were limited to specific dates or supplies, others extended throughout the year. The availability of these deals highlights the widespread recognition of healthcare workers' contributions during that period.