Be a Sweetheart...Feed the Hungry

 


Just as soon as the last box of holiday decorations is packed away for the year, February 14th seems to rush in on the heels of those hectic last months of 2011. We are quickly faced with the challenge of concocting new and creative ways to express tenderness to our loved ones on Valentine’s Day.

Choosing the perfect ingredients to cook a delicious meal for our sweetheart can be a headache for many. However, resigning to dine on the last can in the pantry is increasingly becoming a reality for a growing number of our High Country neighbors. To help everyone have a meal, Mast General Store is partnering with the Hunger and Health Coalition to raise awareness of hunger in the High Country with its ninth annual Be a Sweetheart...Feed the Hungry event on February 11th and 12th.

In the United States, hunger is not caused by food scarcity. There is more than enough food to feed everyone. We have the infrastructure to deliver it. A network of interstate highways and a trucking industry are ready to move mountains of food daily wherever it needs to go. The supermarket store shelves are stocked to the ceiling. But none of this matters if customers have no money in their pockets. Poverty spoils every meal.

According to Worldhunger.org, “In 2010, 46.9 million people were in poverty, up from 37.3 million in 2007 - the fourth consecutive annual increase… This is the largest number in the 52 years for which poverty rates have been published.”

Hunger is not discriminatory and is not only an issue within the homeless community. It is exponentially and rapidly becoming a crisis for the working class American family as well. According to FeedingAmerica.org, “90% of hunger relief recipients are gainfully employed”. People are making hard choices - food or heat; food or the mortgage payment; food or prescription drugs; food or getting the car repaired.

Fred Martin, president of the Mast General Store, commented, “Our Be a Sweetheart…Feed the Hungry event has helped provide food to the food banks serving our local communities at a time when donations are at a lower level. After the holidays, donations tend to wane, and in these challenging economic times, we need to help our neighbors whenever we can.” This year, Mast Store will contribute $1 for each pound of candy purchased on February 11th and 12th to a local food agency in each of its communities.

“It is just amazing what these organizations can do with a dollar,” said Martin. “With the help of donations and contributions by restaurants and vendors, spare change can feed a person three hot, healthy meals. Any amount can help.”

Each dollar donated to the Hunger and Health Coalition provides $7 in retail food value. Even greater, a contribution of $10 will feed a family of four for an entire week. It’s proof positive that even a small donation can be turned into a lot of food for our neighbors.

The High Country’s Hunger and Health Coalition has been incredibly busy this year. Compton Fortuna, executive director of the Hunger and Health Coalition shared, “[On one average work day of this past month], 91 families received food boxes, approximately 4,500 pounds of food in one day. In an average month, 1,000 food boxes are distributed.”

Like many non-profit organizations, the Hunger and Health Coalition relies on volunteers and donations for much of its success. There are many opportunities to get involved on a personal or group level as well as learning how you can fight hunger in your community. You can find out more at the organization’s website – www.hungerandhealthcoalition.com.