For 16 years running, Merrell Footwear has partnered with Mast Store and our food security partners to end childhood hunger. Our sales rep, Kent Doobrow, and former community relations manager, Deb Lazenby, started this program as a way to raise awareness of childhood hunger and to also make an impact in our communities. October 13-26, for every purchase of Merrell footwear at Mast Store, Merrell will make a $15 donation to a local food security partner to be used for their kid-focused programs. 

According to Feeding America, one in every five children in the United States doesn’t know where his or her next meal is coming from. In some of Mast Store’s communities, that number increases to one in every four kids. Without proper nutrition, it’s hard for a kid to just be a kid – much less pay attention in school and develop good habits to be a contributing adult later in life. 

“Merrell is a company that promotes a healthy lifestyle,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast Store. “We can all agree that a healthy child is an investment in our future, and kids shouldn’t have to worry about supper being on the table. They should be learning and exploring.”  

Merrell was founded by two former ski industry executives and is a leader in the outdoor footwear industry. The company’s goal is to merge style, performance, and comfort to enable everyone to explore trails in the backcountry and their favorite towns. From trail-tested hiking boots to casual shoes, Merrell has a style for many activities.   

Merrell’s $15 donation will make a real difference in a child’s life. Our community partners use their leveraged buying power along with donations and volunteer hours to make each $1 stretch into $3, $4, or even more in food value. 

Mast Store’s food security partners – the Hunger & Health Coalition, MANNA FoodBank, Loaves & Fishes, Second Harvest Food Bank of East Tennessee, Harvest Hope, Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina, and Feeding Southwest Virginia – stretch each contribution to make a lasting impact on our youngest neighbors. Some use the donations for after-school programs, some fill backpacks with kid-friendly, easy-to-prepare foods to send home on weekends, and others stock in-school pantries, where students can pick out their own foods.  

“We appreciate Merrell’s continuing partnership with Food for Kids. They are a valued vendor for the Mast Store because they make a quality product and also support our community initiatives,” said Lisa. “I hope that you will consider a Merrell purchase this fall if you are in need of new shoes.”