In a community where pantry shelves are running thin and more families are struggling to put meals on the table, a familiar partnership is stepping up. Tiger Fuel and the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank have launched their August Round-Up campaign, a month-long initiative that turns everyday purchases into lifelines for neighbors in need.

For customers stopping by any of the 10 Tiger Fuel Market locations, the choice is simple: when the cashier asks if you want to round up your total to the nearest dollar, saying yes can make a tangible difference. The small change adds up, and the food bank knows exactly how far each dollar goes. "Every round-up helps, every dollar helps provide three meals," said Cathy Bagwell Marsh, director of development and community engagement at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank.

Marsh, who spent part of the day behind the register alongside a colleague, personally thanked customers for donating. But she stressed that the campaign is about more than collecting money. It is also a chance to spread the word that help is available for those who need it. "Not everybody is going to be able to donate. Some people might need our resources. So just the awareness that's being brought to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is so helpful. Not just for donations, but also to help our neighbors that really need it," she said.

The need is urgent. The food bank is currently seeing record numbers of people seeking assistance each month, a trend that shows no signs of slowing. "There's a lot of need in our area. We have one in nine folks facing food insecurity," Marsh noted. She described heartbreaking choices many families are forced to make: pay the power bill or buy food, cover medical expenses or put groceries in the cart. "You don't really want to ever be in a position to have to make that choice. And that's why we do what we do so that we can take that burden off folks so they don't have to choose between food or health," she said.

On the corporate side, Maurice Lamarche, vice president of retail operations at Tiger Fuel, sees the campaign as a natural extension of the company's relationship with the community. "We're all on our way to somewhere, school or work, and we pop into the markets to get our favorite sandwich or a soda or coffee, and it just a little bit helps. So, you know, if you just take some time when you're making your purchase, you know, if you round up that donation, that donation goes a long way to folks who might not be as fortunate as we are," Lamarche said.

For those who prefer digital options, the company also allows customers to donate through the Tiger Fuel app by redeeming rewards points. The campaign runs throughout August, and both organizations hope it will not only raise critical funds but also build a stronger sense of community solidarity. The food bank's message is clear: every contribution, no matter how small, has the power to change lives.