Jacksonville: Spread the word: Peanut Butter Challenge is underway!
The Floridant/10319640

~ Jacksonville, FL - The friendly competition among counties in Florida has taken on a new twist this year with the Annual Peanut Butter Challenge. The challenge, which includes Duval County, encourages community members to donate a jar of peanut butter to their local Extension office by October 31st. The county with the most donations will be awarded bragging rights and all donations will be given to local food pantries, backpack programs, and other partners in the fight against food insecurity.

Tracy Akers Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County Marketing Manager and Peanut Butter Challenge coordinator, expressed her passion for the cause stating, "This challenge is dear to me. Over the years, I've had the privilege of delivering peanut butter across the city to pantries that help feed our neighbors."

Donations of unopened and unexpired peanut butter jars of any size can be dropped off at the UF/IFAS Extension Duval County office located at 1010 N. McDuff Ave in Jacksonville. Other community partners accepting donations include City Hall, Jacksonville Main Library, all local public libraries, and the Ed Ball Building.

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Peanut butter was chosen as the donation item due to its nutritional value and long shelf life. It also serves as a way to highlight Florida's peanut production industry which contributed $149 million to the state's economy in 2024.

The Annual Peanut Butter Challenge originated in Florida's Panhandle counties in 2012 and has since spread statewide in 2020. Jennifer Bearden, UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County agriculture agent and co-organizer of this year's event shared her excitement saying, "It's always heartwarming to hear stories of community involvement. This event relies on community support and the competition between counties is all with a positive message at its heart."

Partnerships are also welcomed for this cause with organic competitions often taking place in schools, clubs, office buildings, and other organizations. Those interested in getting involved can contact the Duval County office at 904-255-7450.

In addition to community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have been long-time partners of the project. These organizations, based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state, will once again contribute to the total donations distributed to food pantries in those areas.

For more information on how to participate in the Annual Peanut Butter Challenge, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter. Let's come together as a community and make a difference in the fight against food insecurity.

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