The annual Peanut Butter Challenge is on

Few culinary pleasures transcend kiddom. But whether crunchy or smooth, paired with jelly, crackers or bread, peanut butter is a food nearly everyone can enjoy. High in protein, it’s also among food banks’ most requested items.

Whether you favor crunchy or creamy, the challenge is on. The annual University of Florida Peanut Butter Challenge, that is.

We’d be nuts if we didn’t tell you that this event is hosted by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension. Launched in 2012 in Florida’s Panhandle region as a way to raise awareness of peanut farming in the area, the challenge has grown into a friendly competition to help fight hunger in our state.

Food insecurity — or the lack of financial resources or access to supply food within a household — can lead to an array of negative health outcomes. Many children and their families go hungry each day. So, spread the word: The challenge is simple, and the outcomes far reaching.

You’d butter believe that UF/IFAS Extension offices in counties across the state invite people to donate unopened jars (of any size) of peanut butter, which will be donated to local organizations to distribute to those in need. This year’s challenge runs through Oct. 31.

Your donation doesn’t just fill a jar — it spreads hope and sticks to the mission of fighting hunger. Every jar of peanut butter you donate can help butter up the lives of those in need, making their day a little less nutty and a lot more nutritious.

Why peanut butter? Because it’s quite the sufficient item in food pantries as it has a long shelf life. Plus, it’s jampacked with nutrients.

And, of course, peanut butter is loved by many — about 94% of American households consume it (though the debate over crunchy versus creamy rolls on).

Did you know that the Florida peanut industry contributed $119 million to the state economy — and ranks third in the nation in peanut production?

The 2023 statewide collection totaled 27,769 pounds of peanut butter from 44 counties, filling participating counties’ local food pantries with enough for more than 440,000 peanut butter sandwiches!

Here are several drop-off locations throughout Charlotte County to ensure that the donation process is a smooth one:

• Centennial Park Recreation Center, 1120 Centennial Blvd., Port Charlotte

• Englewood Charlotte Public Library, 3450 N. Access Road, Englewood

• Port Charlotte Public Library, 2280 Aaron St., Port Charlotte

• Punta Gorda Charlotte Public Library, 401 Shreve St., Punta Gorda

So, be compassion-nut and consider donating one, two or more jars of peanut butter.

For more information, contact UF/IFAS Extension Charlotte County’s office at 941-764-4340 or email Holly.Bates@CharlotteCountyFL.gov . ¦

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