Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Interview

Something that’s stuck with me from my childhood (and I’m pretty sure it’ll stay with me forever) is just how much food waste scares me. It’s unreal. I can’t stand throwing food away—it makes me sad and ashamed because someone somewhere is starving right now while here I am, filling up my garbage can.

But no matter how wastefully a person might live, it’s nothing compared to the amount of serviceable food thrown out every single day by restaurants, businesses, and fast-food franchises. Case in point—Dunkin’ Donuts (now former) employee Bryan Johnston was horrified that he had to keep dumping several hundred donuts into the bin every single night. So he decided to donate the food to the homeless instead. Bryan uploaded a TikTok video of himself doing just that and even though people loved it, the 16-year-old lost his job for breaking protocol. But there’s always a silver lining… and Bryan’s the guy who can always find it.

Bryan told Bored Panda that he was really surprised when he found out he was fired. “It’s still very hard to look back to when I replay the whole situation in my head. It felt as though my manager didn’t care that I worked there for 5 months and she didn’t say anything like ‘sad to see you go’ or ‘thanks for being a part of the team.'” Read on for our full interview with him.

A small heads-up, dear Pandas. Keep in mind that every owner of a Dunkin’ Donuts franchise personally decides whether or not to donate food at the end of the day. The company itself has created a support structure for those who choose to donate.

More info: TikTok | Instagram | YouTube

16-year-old Bryan Johnston’s donut-saga went viral on TikTok. The teenager detailed how he got fired from Dunkin’ Donuts because he gave donuts to the homeless instead of throwing them out

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

He was literally tasked with throwing out hundreds of perfectly edible donuts each and every night

@bryanjohnston_every night … 312 donuts + munchkins 😢@dunkin♬ In This House – Marcus Vinicius Alfaro Nascimento

@bryanjohnston_My closing routine at Dunkin :) #fyp #dunkin #GroupChat #loop ♬ Steven Universe – L.Dre

Bryan’s a stoic guy. Even though it was tough getting fired, he’s been getting a lot of support from people and he’s very grateful to all of them for reaching out with kind words. “People also have been helping me financially until I find a stable source of income which I am beyond blessed for.”

In Bryan’s opinion, some franchises don’t help feed the homeless because they’re “greedy and lazy” to go the extra mile for the local community. “They would rather just throw away the food at the end of the day instead of paying an employee a couple more man-hours to bring the food to a donation center. Even though it’s up to the store what to do with the waste, most store managers instruct us to throw out the food because they haven’t set up a program to donate. And that roots back to the company itself and not having proper procedures set up in place for the food waste which I find extremely disappointing.”

He also went into detail with Bored Panda about his future plans. In short, we can expect great things from him. “I plan on using my voice to bring light to the issue of how much food waste goes on throughout America each day and how true a problem famine and world hunger is. If companies like Dunkin’ decided to someone reduce the food waste and/or donate the food to the hungry, issues like that would not be as huge of a problem. I still would want to grow on TikTok making positive videos as well as comedy/lifestyle content, but I am hoping to get a lot of people on board with me on how big an issue is that is overseen by so many.”

Bryan also hopes to partner up with bigger corporations like Feeding America in the future and he’d love to volunteer. “But right now I’m still kinda shaken by the fact so many people on the internet support me and what I am doing/going to do. It gives me the motivation to continue to be a light in such difficult times in the world.”

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Fed up with having to waste good food, Bryan decided to pack up the donuts and hand them out to the homeless

@bryanjohnston_Reply to @cole_598 Let’s make 2021 a year of supporting our community ❤️ Tag a friend in the comments to spread the positivity :) #fyp #Wee ♬ Mr. Blue Sky – Electric Light Orchestra

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Bryan also handed out food to firefighters, as well as the needy. He claims that this is why he got fired from his job at Dunkin’ Donuts

@bryanjohnston_Reply to @meza_melissa_ If u want to support me, links are in bio. I wanted the truth about Dunkin shared, it costed my job :( wont stop making vids❤️♬ Worship Instrumental – Instrumental – Adrian Jonathan

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: bryanjohnston

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: ItsTerrax3

Even though Bryan got fired because he handed out donuts to the homeless instead of throwing them away, there’s an upside to all of this. He got a lot of support from everyone online and some people even donated him some money to help keep him afloat.

However, true to his mission of being a Based and Charitable Lad, Bryan decided to use the money to buy donuts (Krispy Kreme, not Dunkin’) for hospital staff. Of course, the teenager uploaded a video of himself handing out the bags to healthcare workers and–oh, God, he’s just an all-round decent human being in a messed up corporate world, isn’t he?

Now, who’s up for donuts and volunteering?

Keep in mind that Dunkin’ Donuts encourages its franchises to support their local communities. However, it’s up to each individual franchise owner if they want to donate leftover food or not

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: ItsTerrax3

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: itsdivyag

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: itsdivyag

Bryan had a wholesome update for us. Loads of people supported him financially, so he dabbed on Dunkin’ by getting Krispy Kreme donuts for healthcare workers

@bryanjohnston_Reply to @daddy.hisokas.towel Thanks for sending support :) Comment what I should do next! #GEICOLipSync #foryoupage ♬ Stuck in the Middle – Tai Verdes

Here’s how people reacted to the donut-saga. Some even shared their own experiences with having to throw out food at work

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: AdayAve

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: Bananabbyjay

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: BlackburryTV

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: OBEY_elREY

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: _toumaras_

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: sameoldshaun

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: rants_n_whatevs

Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

Image credits: silverface_

Storytelling, journalism, and art are a core part of who I am. I've been writing and drawing ever since I could walk—there is nothing else I'd rather do. My formal education, however, is focused on politics, philosophy, and economics because I've always been curious about the gap between the ideal and the real. At work, I'm a Senior Writer and I cover a broad range of topics that I'm passionate about: from psychology and changes in work culture to healthy living, relationships, and design. In my spare time, I'm an avid hiker and reader, enjoy writing short stories, and love to doodle. I thrive when I'm outdoors, going on small adventures in nature. However, you can also find me enjoying a big mug of coffee with a good book (or ten) and entertaining friends with fantasy tabletop games and sci-fi movies.

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I'm a visual editor at Bored Panda. I kickstart my day with a mug of coffee bigger than my head, ready to tackle Photoshop. I navigate through the digital jungle with finesse, fueled by bamboo breaks and caffeine kicks. When the workday winds down, you might catch me devouring bamboo snacks while binging on the latest TV show, gaming or I could be out in nature, soaking up the tranquility and communing with my inner panda.

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What do you think ?

POST

Teresa O 3 years ago

if instead of filming and publishing on tiktok, just give the food to the homeless without making a noise, maybe he hadn't been fired and could still donate the food to the homeless. charity or good deeds do not need to be recorded or shared for likes/ views...

84points

Al Jones 3 years ago

He might argue he was trying to raise awareness of the issue but I do agree, charity shouldn't require recognition or fame. In any case, the punishment here certainly didn't fit the crime.

60points

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Disha Nath 3 years ago

I agree that not every little thing needs to go on social media. BUT in this case, I think this wonderful boy was just trying to bring attention to this needless waste of perfectly edible food. F* these corporates, seriously! Made me so angry seeing all this food being wasted when there are people who are literally starving.

17points

tuzdayschild 3 years ago

Do something...and not broadcast it to the world...is that possible?

17points

SirPatTheCat 3 years ago

Keep in mind that 1) he is a 16 year old kid, 2) he probably didn't realize he would get fired, and 3) he was recording the second part as a response. The way it's formatted makes me think the first one was to raise awareness, then a whole bunch of people commented on that one to give it to homeless people, and he responded to those comments by making a video. I don't think he did it to get attention.

15points

K. 3 years ago

Nope. I’ve worked in the food service industry too. I’m the daughter of immigrants from a third world country, throwing out edible food made me feel like the worse sinner...don’t worry, I found other sins along the way 😝 At least at my job, I could portion things out from the walk in fridge. Overtime, I got better at guessing how much ingredients we need to minimize food waste, at least for my part. He could be fired if it got to the manager by word of mouth. A firemen could say that his local DD was supplying much appreciated donuts, and we’d have the same result. At least Bryan spread awareness that 1. That his manager could have made his DD one of the ones who donated food. 2. He got credit for his kindness. ***i didn’t think it was the best idea to buy more donuts with the money given to keep him afloat. If he is not the kind man he presents himself to be, time will reveal the truth. Kindness that is shared and visibly seen can inspire more people to act accordingly.

7points

ingion1 3 years ago

But the noise is that completely,just day long edible and good food goes to waste as of the company's policy if its not on the high standards of selling it to customers and make profit.Nothing to do with charity and thats why he was fired.Not cause he gave it to homeless but simply exposing the fact that companies dont care for society other than increasing their profits.The amounts of good food going to waste worldwide while so many people starve or dont eat well is sad.And he gets the punishment for exposing this.All business should donate their good food left through channels to the most unfortunate ones.Its the choice to do this charity and not an employee's anyway.Even from from marketing and profits point's of view is good.To buy something from a company you know really cares about its social responsibility and does something about it,I would be a loyal customer in that case.The management could be inspired from this action,instead they got panicked and went the other way

5points

h5mind 3 years ago

Unfortunately, if he didn't document what he was doing with store product they could have simply accused him of stealing. I worked in McDonalds in high school, and if we grabbed as much as a single fry from the bin, it was grounds for instant firing.

1point

Couldnt_Find_A_Good_Name 3 years ago

But he could not publish it anywhere and still continue helping people......or maybe he could just remain anonymous and post it in text form, not even revealing the franchise, and no one would know!

1point

Tài Trần 3 years ago

I think the charity thing here is just minor in comparison with the food-wasting practice that the bakery is doing. The boy was doing right, he should be loud about this. He should raise community awareness about this. I totally support him.

1point

Pantea 3 years ago

I came here to say exactly the same. He wasn't fired because of donating, but because of bragging on social media.

0points

Sid Werner 3 years ago (edited)

That's called circular logic. You are ignoring the problem of the situation completely. Why you're getting thumbed up for that is beyond me. Well actually I do know why, but I'll choose to be nice and not say it.

0points

Aliquid A 3 years ago

He *wanted* to be fired because of this... he would get more views and social media attention that way. I have no problem with what he did, and I think it is horrible that food is wasted like that... but I question his motivation. Either way he isn't a "bad guy", just not as much as a "hero" as he wants to be, that's all.

0points

miss miss 3 years ago

Disagree. Dunking do sucks as well as other for other throw away restarants

0points

kurisutofu 3 years ago

Yeah, like what did he expect? If he thought he would be fine, he would have talked to the manager first anyway. That he didn't tells me he knew they would not agree with that ...

0points

BIG FOOT 3 years ago

Kind of brought it on himself

-3points

Carol Emory 3 years ago

I used to do this at a French Bakery in Seattle. When the sandwiches were tallied up at the end of the day to be thrown out, I'd bag them up and hand them out to the homeless people on my way home. The owner was completely fine with it. When it came around to Christmas time, he also gave me all the cookies and pastries that would go stale from the shop being closed for 2 days. The homeless guys were so grateful.

55points

Sid Werner 3 years ago

Well you weren't working for a franchise.

5points

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KatHat 3 years ago

France passed laws recently so that no grocery or food items can be thrown away; they MUST be distributed. It can be done. https://www.npr.org/sections/thesalt/2018/02/24/586579455/french-food-waste-law-changing-how-grocery-stores-approach-excess-food

27points

Sandra 3 years ago

Yes, i know that in some countries markets will put the vegetables and fruits that were not sold during the day in a special place for other to take. People who could not afford it mainly. So it would not be wasted.

6points

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K. 3 years ago

Thank you for including this. I understand and have been told the same lines. I appreciate the shift from defending food waste to something a bit more practical.

3points

Sid Werner 3 years ago

Yeah but if you did that in the US you'd be making corporations actually do something beneficial to society, so it's a no go there.

2points

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POST

Teresa O 3 years ago

84points

Al Jones 3 years ago

He might argue he was trying to raise awareness of the issue but I do agree, charity shouldn't require recognition or fame. In any case, the punishment here certainly didn't fit the crime.

60points

Load More Replies...

Disha Nath 3 years ago

17points

tuzdayschild 3 years ago

Do something...and not broadcast it to the world...is that possible?

17points

SirPatTheCat 3 years ago

15points

K. 3 years ago

7points

ingion1 3 years ago

5points

h5mind 3 years ago

1point

Couldnt_Find_A_Good_Name 3 years ago

But he could not publish it anywhere and still continue helping people......or maybe he could just remain anonymous and post it in text form, not even revealing the franchise, and no one would know!

1point

Tài Trần 3 years ago

1point

Pantea 3 years ago

I came here to say exactly the same. He wasn't fired because of donating, but because of bragging on social media.

0points

Sid Werner 3 years ago (edited)

0points

Aliquid A 3 years ago

0points

miss miss 3 years ago

Disagree. Dunking do sucks as well as other for other throw away restarants

0points

kurisutofu 3 years ago

Yeah, like what did he expect? If he thought he would be fine, he would have talked to the manager first anyway. That he didn't tells me he knew they would not agree with that ...

0points

BIG FOOT 3 years ago

Kind of brought it on himself

-3points

Carol Emory 3 years ago

55points

Sid Werner 3 years ago

Well you weren't working for a franchise.

5points

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KatHat 3 years ago

27points

Sandra 3 years ago

6points

Load More Replies...

K. 3 years ago

Thank you for including this. I understand and have been told the same lines. I appreciate the shift from defending food waste to something a bit more practical.

3points

Sid Werner 3 years ago

Yeah but if you did that in the US you'd be making corporations actually do something beneficial to society, so it's a no go there.

2points

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Guy Can’t Stand Throwing Away So Many Donuts At His Job, Ends Up Giving Them To The Homeless, Gets Fired

16-year-old Bryan Johnston’s donut-saga went viral on TikTok. The teenager detailed how he got fired from Dunkin’ Donuts because he gave donuts to the homeless instead of throwing them out

He was literally tasked with throwing out hundreds of perfectly edible donuts each and every night

Fed up with having to waste good food, Bryan decided to pack up the donuts and hand them out to the homeless

Bryan also handed out food to firefighters, as well as the needy. He claims that this is why he got fired from his job at Dunkin’ Donuts

Keep in mind that Dunkin’ Donuts encourages its franchises to support their local communities. However, it’s up to each individual franchise owner if they want to donate leftover food or not

Bryan had a wholesome update for us. Loads of people supported him financially, so he dabbed on Dunkin’ by getting Krispy Kreme donuts for healthcare workers

Here’s how people reacted to the donut-saga. Some even shared their own experiences with having to throw out food at work

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Jonas Grinevičius

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Mindaugas Balčiauskas