On Valentine’s Day, we all want to do something thoughtful for our sweethearts. Why not double up and help someone you don’t even know have a hot, nourishing meal? It’s so easy!

This is the 14th year for Be a Sweetheart. The event was founded in 2004 when a need to fill their pantries was communicated by our food security partners. In the beginning, Mast Store matched each pound of candy purchased with our own pound of food. Then, because of the ability of our food banks and food rescue partners to stretch a dollar into more, Mast Store began donating $1 for each pound purchased. It was a natural tie-in to link Valentine’s Day, when many of us do something nice for someone we love, to supporting efforts to feed a desperate need in our communities.

Loaves & Fishes is our food partner in Greenville, S.C. In 2016, they distributed over 2.1 million pounds of food to 96 partner agencies, reaching more than 277,000 people in need. Loaves & Fishes continues to serve an increasing number of Greenville County residents at risk of hunger and malnutrition.

Loaves & Fishes is committed to not only filling bellies, but to also providing high nutrient foods. In response to reports from the USDA, strongly supporting the fact that poor nutrition is a leading cause of illness and disease for people living in poverty, Loaves & Fishes increased its efforts to provide more produce to its partner agencies this past year. In 2016, those efforts paid off in a big way for the organization. Loaves & Fishes was able to grow its produce donations by 33% over the previous year.

In addition to Mast Store’s donation, change collection jars will be positioned at each register. Even a few coins can have life changing effects. Our partners’ ability to stretch any donation is proof positive that a little can do A LOT! This year’s Be a Sweetheart event is coming up on Saturday and Sunday, February 11 and 12.

Click HERE to find out more about how you can get involved with the worthy efforts of Loaves & Fishes.
 

Be A Sweetheart 2017 from Mast Store on Vimeo.