When you’re shopping at the grocery store and you see all the different brands of foods, you might not think too much past the name on the label.

But what if you knew about the brands that pay it forward? What if you knew that by buying a certain brand of food, a portion of the proceeds would go to help a specific charity, or when you buy one product, the brand will donate food to someone in need, would that change your mind?

First let’s look at the “buy-one-give-one” approach. 2 Degrees bars are just one of the brands that looks to help those in need. Its mission is simple: to fight childhood hunger. Part of the company’s mission statement says: “The distance between you and a hungry child may seem far, but you’re only two degrees away.” These snack bars are consciously crafted to meet different needs such as being gluten free, vegan, and low sodium. They are also not only nutritious by containing a variety of whole grains and seeds such as quinoa, millet and chia seed, but for every bar purchased a meal is provided to a child in need.

To date, 2 Degrees Foods has donated more than 1 million meals to countries around the world. To find out more about their impact and the company’s mission, visit twodegreesfood.com.

PB Crave, a delicious peanut butter spread that comes in different flavors such as CoCo Bananas, Razzle Dazzle, Cookie Nookie and Choco Choco, is not only a food that will make our taste buds dance but is trying to make a larger impact on the lives of those who need it most. The company says: “A minimum of 2 percent of the profit from every jar of PB Crave peanut butter goes directly to Project Peanut Butter, a non-profit organization focused on treating malnourished children.” Project Peanut Butter helps children in need by providing ready-to-use therapeutic food. It is similar to a peanut butter paste but more energy-dense to meet the needs of malnourished children.

Want to feel good about indulging with some sweet treats?  Lily’s dark chocolate is not only sweetened with stevia without added sugars, but helps fight a battle many of us are connected to.

A portion of the proceeds for Lily’s chocolate is donated to a non-profit organization dedicated to help those battling childhood cancer. Lily’s chocolates not only come in milk and dark chocolate bars, but they also have baking chips as well. Try them in the recipe, Trail Mix Chocolate Bark, and start your journey of giving back.

While it may seem like a small step, looking into the foods you shop for can have a larger impact than just meeting your needs. If you are interested in learning about more foods that give back, contact me, your Hy-Vee dietitian.

One Step Shredded Wheat Parfait

Serves 1

 All you need

•1 (5.3 oz) container Siggi’s non-fat raspberry yogurt

•2/3 cup crushed Hy-Vee •One Step shredded wheat cereal

•¼ cup fresh raspberries

•1 tbsp sliced almonds

 All you do

1. Spoon about half of the yogurt into the bottom of a parfait glass or other tall glass. Cover with 1/3 cup crushed shredded wheat cereal. Repeat layers of yogurt and shredded wheat.

Top with fresh raspberries and sliced almonds.

Source: Hy-Vee dietitians.

This information is not intended as medical advice. Please consult a medical professional for individual advice.