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When a friend insisted on paying me to make her a loaf of my artisan sourdough bread, I realized I had something valuable. Cooking for - and feeding friends and family has always been rewarding. In fact, it felt like part of my purpose.

That moment sparked something bigger. I began to wonder if I could turn this simple act of baking into an opportunity to serve others - perhaps even use the proceeds to help those in need.

I soon discovered that my granddaughter's school had a benevolent fund created to support students from under-resourced families. I knew immediately this was where I wanted the bread sales to go. The school could oversee the distribution of the funds, ensuring support reached students and families according to their specific needs.

What started as one paid loaf quickly grew through word-of-mouth and social media. In just three months of baking and selling bread, Big Heart Bread made its first donation of $1247 to McNair Middle School in Fayetteville, Arkansas. 

Word spread that I was a "benevolent baker", and coworkers, friends, and neighbors rallied behind the mission with generous orders and donations. Many gave far more than the suggested amount for a loaf, simply because they believed in supporting the kids. 

My baker's heart was deeply touched.

 And that's how Big Heart Bread was born.

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