words_lyssa goldberg.

Two Degrees is the newest thing in fruit and nut bars. You can find them on shelves at the C-store nestled near the Kind bars and Odwalla snacks. They’re now even sold at the Courtside Eatery at the Wellness Center. But such easy access isn’t even the best part.

They’re all-natural, gluten free and vegan. Under 200 calories per bar, Two Degrees is a guilt-free snack that you can grab on the go and eat in between classes. And as you munch on your chocolate banana or apple pecan bar when you walk through the UC Breezeway, you’re filling a stomach besides your own.

Two Degrees is a company with a one-for-one mission. The TOMS of the food industry, Two Degrees donates a meal to a hungry child in a developing country for every bar purchased.

They work with non-governmental organizations like Partners in Health and Relief International to distribute nutrient-rich meals through schools, health clinics and community groups. Their main goal is to alleviate youth hunger by giving children suffering from starvation and malnutrition the help that they need.

The company is named Two Degrees because of the connection that is created between the consumer and the hungry child. While you might be six degrees of separation away from knowing Kevin Bacon, Two Degrees helps you become that much closer to the children you’re supporting.

In the last year, Two Degrees donated 200,000 meals to children in countries like Haiti, Kenya and Malawi, but they’re mission is to reach 200 million (So many 2s. I’m seeing a pattern here.).

If you’re sitting at your computer right now and not too into the idea of walking to the C-store or Wellness Center, you can buy a virtual Two Degrees bar too. For 99 cents, you can buy a virtual bar and send it as a gift to your friend on Facebook. And of course, a malnourished child will still get an actual meal in return.