Be a sweetheart and help feed the hungry this Valentine's Day

The Mast General Stores in Waynesville, Hendersonville, and Asheville are partnering with MANNA FoodBank this February 13 and 14 to fill its larder with food. The annual Be a Sweetheart, Feed the Hungry event matches each pound of candy purchased with a $1 donation to help ensure that those in our community needing a good meal will have the ability to enjoy one.  

With Valentine’s Day upon us, candy is one of the holiday’s traditional gifts, and on Be a Sweetheart weekend, it can show others that you care, too.

Fred Martin, president of the Mast Store, commented, “Our local food agencies do amazing things! Each dollar donated to MANNA FoodBank is transformed into three hearty meals. So, a simple gift of your sweetheart’s favorite candy results in a donation to MANNA, which in turn provides food for a local community member’s table. It’s like a hug for the whole community.”

  

Hunger is not discriminatory and is not just an issue within the homeless community. MANNA FoodBank serves a 16-county area in Western North Carolina and has almost 250 partner agencies. Each day, MANNA provides 34,000 meals. It also provides innovative programs aimed at children, like MANNA Packs, which provides weekend food for children during the school year. It is having a positive impact on their ability to learn and to fully participate in school.

In addition to making a donation to the MANNA FoodBank for each pound of candy purchased on February 13 and 14, change jars will be set up at each register. Your spare change can make a big impact on someone’s life.

Like many non-profit organizations, MANNA FoodBank relies on volunteers and donations for much of its success. There are opportunities to get involved on a personal or group level, as well as learning how you can fight hunger in your community. Stop by the information table during the event or click over to the website at www.MANNAFoodBank.org.