WHAT IS THE PEANUT BUTTER CHALLENGE?
The Challenge is simple: Community members donate unopened, unexpired jars of peanut butter of any size in a friendly collection competition during the month of October to help combat hunger. Food insecurity has been linked to many negative health outcomes and has grown more widespread in the wake of COVID-19. At the end of the collection period, the jars are tallied, bragging rights are awarded to counties collecting the most peanut butter, and the jars go to local food pantries just in time for the holiday season.
The Peanut Butter Challenge
19.7 Tons
13,299
Why Peanut Butter?
Peanut butter is in high demand at food pantries, because it's shelf-stable and nutrient-dense, with 8 grams of protein in each 2-tablespoon serving. Also, peanut butter is made from the type of peanuts grown in many areas of Florida. Many of those acres are concentrated in the Panhandle region, where the Peanut Butter Challenge originated in 2012. Did you know Florida ranks 3rd in the U.S. for peanut production?
Where can I donate?
Since spreading statewide in 2020, the drop-off locations have grown to include most counties’ UF/IFAS Extension offices, FAMU Extension, and many partnering community locations. The University of Florida campus has locations that collect for the Alan and Cathy Hitchcock Field & Fork pantry. Contact your local Extension office for additional locations and information.
THANKS TO GRASSROOTS COMMUNITY SUPPORT, THE PEANUT BUTTER CHALLENGE CONTINUES TO GROW!
The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge collection totaled 39,898 lbs. of peanut butter filling participating counties’ local food pantries – a new record! UF/IFAS Extension also thanks the Florida Peanut Federation, Florida Peanut Producers Association and numerous community partners for their support in this annual food drive.
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