Class Of 2020 Graduation And Election Day Freebies From Retail And Food Brands

The Class of 2020 experienced one of the most unusual academic years in modern history, with virtual ceremonies replacing traditional in-person events as a result of public health measures. In response to these changes, several well-known brands across multiple industries, including food, beverage, and event services, launched special promotions to celebrate graduating students and honor Election Day 2020. These initiatives are primarily limited to food and drink offerings rather than free samples or product trials in other sectors, such as beauty or household goods. The information below is synthesized directly from the source material, focusing on authentic and verifiably documented promotions.

For those planning to take advantage of these seasonal freebies, the content explores brand-specific details, including timelines, eligibility criteria, and how to redeem the offers. It is intended to serve as an informative guide for consumers, deal seekers, and parents looking to celebrate milestones or take advantage of holiday-related promotions.

Chipotle: Free Meals and Scholarship Opportunities for Graduates

Chipotle, a well-known fast-casual chain, participated in honoring the Class of 2020 through two unique offers. The first initiative allowed the first 5,000 customers who purchased a graduation-themed gift card between May 21 and June 30 to receive a free entree with the purchase of any one entree. This offer was a way for the brand to acknowledge the academic achievements of students despite the challenges of the global pandemic.

In addition to this food-based promotion, Chipotle also hosted an Instagram scholarship contest. This provided an opportunity for students to compete for a $25,000 scholarship. While details regarding the contest’s structure or eligibility requirements were not clearly outlined in the source material, it is important to note that such promotional contests typically require participants to follow the brand on social media and submit entries aligned with the contest theme.

Both promotions emphasize the importance of being aware of the dates. As the May 21 through June 30 window has already passed, these offers are no longer available.

Edible Arrangements: Virtual Celebration of Graduates with Dipped Fruit Delights

Edible Arrangements, a fruit bouquet and gift brand, honored graduates by offering two separate promotions. The first was open to 2,020 randomly selected graduates who uploaded a video on social media using the hashtag #EdibleMoments. Each video needed to include the graduate’s name and a personal explanation of how they were celebrating their graduation. From these submissions, 2,020 winners would receive a free Celebrations Dipped Fruit Delights gift.

This initiative, while creative and engaging, also had a specific timeline for eligibility. Submissions needed to take place between May 14 and June 5. Furthermore, the brand clarified that any graduate who did not win a free gift still had the option to receive 20% off all graduation-themed gifts during the same period. This made the promotion accessible to a broader audience, allowing more students and their families to participate in a meaningful way.

The promotion emphasized the social media aspect as the central method for eligibility. Therefore, any attempt to claim the 20% discount outside of the stated dates would not have met the terms.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House: A Premium Freebie for Graduates

Ruth’s Chris Steak House, a high-end dining chain, offered a premium freebie to the Class of 2020. Graduates who dined in from the time the promotion was launched until June 28 were eligible to receive a free 11-ounce filet mignon with the purchase of two entrées. This offer was specifically designed to give graduating students a celebratory dining experience during a more subdued graduation season.

There were no specific instructions regarding how to claim the deal, other than confirming graduation status. Since the offer was active for a limited time, which has now expired, it is no longer possible to redeem it as of the current moment in time.

Jack in the Box: A Graduation-Themed Taco Freebie

Jack in the Box, a fast-food chain, introduced a short-term but exciting promotion. Between May 20 and May 26, graduation celebration participants who made any purchase using the Jack in the Box mobile app could receive two free tacos in acknowledgment of the Class of 2020’s accomplishments. The offer was notable for being tied to mobile app usage, reinforcing the chain's efforts to engage consumers through digital channels.

The timeline for the offer was brief, and the promotion has since concluded. Those who are not part of the Class of 2020 are no longer eligible for this deal at this time.

Krispy Kreme: Free Donuts for Graduates in Class-Themed Clothing

Krispy Kreme, the iconic doughnut chain, offered a unique freebie on Tuesday, May 19, for graduating students. On that day only, any high school or college graduate who visited any Krispy Kreme location and was dressed in graduation gear—such as a cap and gown or a t-shirt and hat with “Class of 2020” branding—could receive a dozen free donuts.

One of the notable aspects of this promotion was that no purchase was necessary. This made it particularly appealing to families and graduates who wanted to celebrate this milestone without an added cost. However, the brand’s requirement was clear: participants had to wear graduation-themed clothing to be eligible.

As this offer was tied to a specific day, it is no longer valid. Nonetheless, Krispy Kreme has shown a history of engaging with consumers on cultural and milestone holidays, which may be a sign of similar promotions in the future.

Election Day Specials from Food Chains

In addition to graduation-themed promotions, several brands offered Election Day specials in 2020. These deals were meant to encourage voter participation by providing free food and beverage items to those who made purchases during the important civic holiday.

McDonald’s, for instance, promoted the use of the promo code “2020VOTE” to offer a free pastry with the purchase of a coffee. Wendy’s provided a free Classic Chicken Sandwich with any in-store or app purchase, while Wawa launched a membership-based offer for free coffee on Election Day through the end of December for those who signed up before the deadline in late October. White Castle provided online discounts based on order value and location, and Uber offered reduced ride fare to and from polling stations.

These offers highlight that food chains often use national holidays and civic events to engage customers through themed promotions. Although Election Day 2020 has since passed, future brands may continue this tradition in upcoming election years.

Additional Brand Initiatives and Sample-Based Promotions

While the focus of the 2020 promotions was primarily on food and beverage offerings, the available source material does not include any formal discussions about free samples or product trials for non-food categories, such as beauty, health, or household goods. There is also no reference to mail-in sample programs or brand-sponsored free product trials for the specific groups being honored (graduates or voters).

Given the nature of the sources reviewed, there is a lack of brand-sponsored samples in areas such as baby care or pet food products. If consumers are interested in free samples and product trials for these categories, it is advisable to consult direct sources such as brand websites or verified sign-up pages.

Sources for Brand Offers and Event-Specific Freebies

1. MyTownSquare - 4 Places to Take Your Grad for Some Freebies
2. Lakes Student Media - Food Freebies for 2020 Graduates
3. Today - Krispy Kreme, Chipotle, and More Honor 2020 Graduates with Food Freebies
4. Forbes - 13 Election Day Freebies and Discounts
5. Classroom Freebies - Back to School 2020
6. Teachers Pay Teachers - Class Rules Freebies
7. College Data - Best Student Discounts to Use in College