SANDPOINT — Two birds, one chocolate bar.

That’s the concept behind the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post’s artisanal chocolate bars — pass along something sweet to your sweetie on Valentines Day and help local veterans living in the community.

“It all goes to local vets,” VFW Post No. 2453 member George Eskridge said of the proceeds from sales of the “Freedom is Sweet” chocolate bars.

The post uses the proceeds from the chocolate bar sales to help local veterans if they find themselves in a pinch. The post has purchased groceries, gasoline, propane and cords of firewood, in addition to helping out with dental care and other needs, according to post member Rich Faletto.

“We do go out of our way to help veterans that are truly in need,” said Faletto.

The bars sell for $3 apiece and come in milk and dark chocolate varieties. They can be purchased at the 219 Lounge, Café Trinity, Mr. Sub, Route 66 Autobody, Sandpoint Chocolate Bear, Sears, the UPS Store and Wrenco Arms.

The bars feature the phrase “Freedom is Sweet” amid a constellation of stars. The VFW post was granted permission to use the phrase from Tee It Up For The Troops, a charity which owns the trademark to the phrase.

“They granted us a no-fee license as long as they’re only sold in Sandpoint,” Faletto said.

It’s the second year the post has been offering the chocolate bars for sale and they have become an important fundraising tool.

Faletto is also grateful for the support of Chocolate Bear, whose chocolatiers created the bars.

Keith Kinnaird can be reached by email at kinnaird@bonnercountydailybee.com and follow him on Twitter @KeithDailyBee.