Scott and Dylan Tanner are helping to stock the shelves at the Mustard Seed, as part of ‘Project Peanut Butter.’
“Everyone is looking to change the world or make a difference, but we can start with ourselves and with our community,” says Dylan Tanner of Merry Maids of Victoria.
After a three-year break due to the COVID pandemic, Merry Maid’s Project Peanut Butter is back and it’s more important than ever.
“My son Matt passed away last year in March, and this is just a way for us to keep Matt’s legacy alive,” says Matt’s dad, Scott Tanner, choking up.
Matt Tanner started the annual peanut butter drive for the Mustard Seed in 2014 and it quickly grew—hitting a record 2,700 jars in 2019 and filling an important gap for families in need.
“The school lunch programs end when school ends and in summer, a lot of low-income and now middle-income families don’t have access to protein and I think that’s really important for the community,” explains Matt’s brother, Dylan.
With rising food, gas and housing costs, demand at the Mustard Seed and the 60 organizations it serves from its Viewfield food warehouse is higher than ever.
“We’re seeing a lot more demand from middle-income people that are able to pay their rent, and they’re able to pay their hydro, but in terms of providing food for their family, they’re just not quite making ends meet,” Janice James of the Mustard Seed says.
Merry Maids and Island Nut Roastery are both matching donations, which can be dropped off at Country Grocer, Urban Grocer, Fairway Market, Quality Foods, Red Barn Market, Merry Maids or the Uplands Golf Course.
“I believe that those who are fortunate have the ability to give back, give back, and Matt was doing that at a very young age,” Scott says.
Matt was just 36 years old when he tragically died from complications after a stroke, leaving behind his pregnant wife and an infant son.
Scott and Dylan will be delivering all the donations to the Mustard Seed on July 21 — Matt’s birthday.
“This is just part of Matt’s legacy, the ability to get the community together for a good cause,” says Scott.
“I’m super proud of myself, really proud of my dad, proud of my brother, proud of our staff, proud of the community, our partners, and proud of the Mustard Seed and my gratitude list just goes on and on,” Dylan adds.
And they’re hoping that every year, this fundraiser will continue to grow in Matt’s memory.
To find out more about Project Peanut Butter 2022, click on this link.
Tess van Straaten
