Sweet mixed messages: Bloomberg shuns soda, celebrates donuts

During a press conference Thursday touting his efforts to ban the sale of large "sugary" beverages, one reporter noted an interesting fact: Michael Bloomberg's administration is celebrating National Donut Day.

At 9:30 this morning, Entenmann's and the Salvation Army will be unveiling "custom-made Entenmann's large donuts, 1-foot in diameter" at Madison Square Park, along with a "Proclamation Letter by Mayor Michael Bloomberg."  The annual donut holiday has been celebrated every year since 1938 to honor the "Donut Lassies" who served the sweet treats to soldiers during World War I.  The event also raises funds for the Salvation Army, just as it did during the Great Depression.

But isn't Bloomberg's support for donuts and disdain for soda sending a bit of a mixed message?

Of course not, NYC Deputy Mayor Linda Gibbs insisted.  “The work of the Department of Health and Mental Hygiene reflects the mayor’s public health agenda,” Gibbs said about the possible donut conflict. “The message is that we will do what we need in our official capacity to protect the health of New Yorkers.”

“The celebratory events, the naming days in honor of individuals or items, or frivolities that are fun and [bring] exceptional joy are quite distinct from a public health agenda,” she added.

WATCH:

What better way to publicize a bold new anti-sugar initiative than to kick back with a couple of Krispy Kremes?