Candy Shop Offers Free Fat Tuesday Fudge to Anyone Over 300 lbs

Ah, Fat Tuesday, when Americans nowhere near New Orleans suddenly decide they simply must get in on the Mardi Gras fun. For instance: A Missouri candy shop is offering fudge to anyone who weighs more than 300 pounds.

“Walk, run, waddle, or ride your motorized wheelchair down to the Route 66 Candy Shoppe!” the Facebook page for the Route 66 Candy Shoppe urges.

At least one customer, however, is very concerned that this is making light of the obesity epidemic. “That’s just wrong,” Deb Czuprynski, who is slender, told KSPR. “It may be a joke to them but to other viewers they can’t help it, some will die because of obesity, no one should ever make fun of it.” But the owner la-ti-da does not care:

“We are not trying to make a statement or do anything to offend anyone,” he said. “We just thought it was a good way to invite people to come in and have a good laugh.”

It should also be noted that owner Charley Dill says he’s often compared to Dom Deluise, and his intention seems to be joking around with his fellow fat folks, rather than making fun. At any rate, he’s now basically taunting Czuprynski on the shop’s Facebook page:

Debra Czuprynski, I can’t thank you enough for all the free publicity. I was shocked to find out we made news in Ohio, Kansas City, and elsewhere, but can you imagine how thrilled I was to see our lil’ ol’ candy shoppe was featured on CNN!?! You’re a peach!

I’m tempted to be upset with Mr. Dill for dealing in old tired old stereotypes about fat people and our motor scooters. Come on, dude. On the other hand: free fudge.