VALLE CRUCIS, NC – Each November, plus two weeks in October during Merrell Footwear’s Food for Kids, Mast Store asks its guests to roundUP to support its food security partners. This year’s roundUP generated the largest collection of donations ever at more than $46,000.
According to information from the Food Research & Action Center garnered from research performed by USDA, about one in seven households (13.5 percent) in the United States struggled with hunger in 2023. The southern region of the country experienced even higher levels of hunger with almost 15 percent of households experiencing food insecurity.
“Heading into the holidays, especially Thanksgiving, we think about those who may not be as fortunate as ourselves,” said Lisa Cooper, president of Mast General Store. “As an organization, we support our food security partners throughout the year, but we ask our guests to lean in with us at this time of year.”
Sometimes people don’t realize that even a small donation can make a difference. Organizations like MANNA FoodBank, the Hunger & Health Coalition, Loaves & Fishes Greenville, Harvest Hope, Feeding Southwest Virginia, Second Harvest Food Bank East Tennessee, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina can leverage a $1 donation into multiple meals.
“Spare change makes a life-changing impact on our neighbors,” said Cooper. “It’s hard to learn as a student or be a good employee if you’re hungry and worried about putting a meal on your family’s table, so we are grateful for the generosity of our guests.”
Mast Store has roundUPs throughout the year. Some roundUPs have a company-wide focus with partners in each local community, while others are chosen at the store level by its staff members. This year, Mast Store has roundedUP to support arts, conservation, food security, recreation, animal welfare, and our youngest community members. Mast Store appreciates the ability to act as a pass-through for its guests’ donations to support these causes.
For more information about the Mast General Store, visit its website at www.MastStore.com.
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