What is  KFC’s PR department smoking?

Yesterday afternoon, I got a book of coupons advertising not just their “Great For Mother’s Day!” 16-piece bucket meals, but also their Buckets for the Cure campaign to support the Susan G. Komen for the Cure organization and to promote breast cancer awareness.

Um, seriously? I really think they need to rethink this one—I have a big problem with a company who sells notoriously unhealthy products trying to make themselves look good by saying they’re helping fight breast cancer. And honestly, I fail to see how munching on another creature’s breasts is a great way to promote the health of your own. Also, KFC is more often seen as a contributor to obesity, which can be a factor in many illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, and ,yes, cancer.  I can’t help feeling like they’re just trying to do damage control after the release of the Double-Down a couple weeks ago.

Still, through May 9th, for every branded pink bucket, KFC is donating 50 cents to Susan G. Kromer for the Cure. I found the small print on the coupon book very interesting. It stated that KFC restaurant operators have contributed 50 cents to the organization purchased between April 5 and May 9 (at least $1,000,000) and that customer purchase of the pink buckets during the promotion will not directly increase contribution. Is that their way of fending off a lawsuit (Don’t sue us if you get fat—the fine print says you don’t have to buy 100 buckets)?

On the other hand, I really don’t feel like I should be hating on anyone who donates money to help fight breast cancer, especially given the number of survivors and victims I’ve known. It’s just odd to see it coming from KFC, especially so soon after the release of the Double-Down.

It just seems so inconsistent, though. I feel like their “team” needs to buckle down and figure out what they want their image to be.