Northwest Health Fights Hunger Through its Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive
4/2/2024
Year round, Northwest Health team members support local food banks, pantries and soup kitchens through volunteer service, monetary gifts and in-kind donations. Northwest Health continues its efforts to fight food insecurity and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2 with the second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive.
Peanut butter was donated by Northwest Health team members, medical staff members, volunteers and community groups during the peanut butter drive.
And, Northwest Health’s five hospitals donated more than 1,300 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to community food banks, including:
- Northwest Health Physicians’ Specialty Hospital donated 23 jars of peanut butter to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
- Northwest Medical Center – Bentonville donated 378 jars of peanut butter to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
- Northwest Medical Center – Springdale donated 744 jars of peanut butter to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
- Northwest Medical Center – Willow Creek Women’s Hospital donated 112 jars of peanut butter to Northwest Arkansas Food Bank.
- Siloam Springs Regional Hospital donated 53 jars of peanut butter to The Manna Center.
According to Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance, Arkansas has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the nation. 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.
“We recognize the impact hunger has on an individual’s health and wellbeing and we want to help those in our community who are struggling with food insecurity,” said Rick Naegler, Northwest Health market chief executive officer. “Our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive is a great way to partner with community members to reduce hunger in our area.”
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 needed by food banks include canned proteins, canned beans, pasta and pasta sauce, canned vegetables, applesauce and canned fish.
To learn how you can support your local food banks or snack pack programs, visit these online resources:
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