Dukes Memorial Hospital collects 228 jars of peanut butter
Mar. 31—To help address hunger in the community and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Dukes Memorial Hospital in Peru collected more than 200 jars of peanut and other nut butters for two local food pantries.
The 228 jars of peanut butter were donated by Dukes Memorial Hospital employees, medical staff members and volunteers during a recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, which was launched to help support neighbors facing food insecurity — an important social determinant of health.
"Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person's overall health and wellbeing," said Deb Close, CEO of Dukes Memorial Hospital. "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 food pantry shelves in Miami County."
Peanut butter is often a high-demand item because it is nutritious and has a long shelf life. But it can be difficult for food pantries to keep in stock, and many report it is also one of the least donated food items. The collected peanut butter was donated to the Miami County Helping Hands and Salvation Army of Miami County food pantries.
"Just one jar of peanut butter can make a huge difference to a hungry family," said Susan Beachler, pantry coordinator for the Salvation Army. "We are so blessed by being part of such a giving community and thankful to our friends at Dukes Memorial Hospital. There is no donation too small or too large."
Other food pantry items often in high-demand include cereal, pasta, pasta sauces, pancake mix, syrup, baking mixes, oatmeal, canned soups, boxed dinners, rice, beans and canned fruits and vegetables.
The Salvation Army also accepts excess garden produce, hygiene items and paper products. Call the Salvation Army Food Pantry, Parkview United Methodist Church, 1785 State Route 19, at 765-473-5498 to verify staff is available before dropping off donations.
For more information on Miami County Helping Hands food pantry, 176 N. Broadway St. in Peru, call 765-472-1875 or visit ahelpinghandnow.org.
