Gadsden Regional Medical Center Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive Collects Over 300 Jars of Peanut Butter for Etowah County Food Bank
3/29/2023
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Gadsden, AL (March 29, 2023) – To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Gadsden Regional Medical Center has donated more than 300 jars of peanut butter to the Etowah Community Food Bank.
All of that peanut butter was donated by Gadsden Regional’s employees, medical staff members, and volunteers during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive.
According to United Way of Etowah County, approximately 17% of adults and over 22% of children experience food insecurity in Etowah County which results in a struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.
“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Denten Park, chief executive officer. “Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we are working to help fight hunger in our community. Our generous employees really stepped up to be sure we could stock the shelves at our partnering food bank here in Etowah County.”
Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods commonly needed most by food banks include cereal, individual packs of oatmeal and grits, macaroni and cheese, chunky soups, canned chicken, ham, or tuna, rice, and instant potatoes.
“We are so thankful to be the recipient from the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive that Gadsden Regional Medical Center and their employees have partnered with us on,” said Marie Johnson, executive director of the Etowah County Food Bank. “This generous donation from their staff will help support multiple partner agencies including Salvation Army, Etowah Baptist Mission Center, Catholic Center of Concern, and the Charlsie House Shelter. We purchase food for these partners and also provide them food from all food drives.”
Additional donations can be coordinated directly through the Etowah Community Food Bank by contacting Marie Johnson, executive director, by calling 256-504-2568 or emailing.
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