The North Carolina Peanut Growers Association celebrated National Peanut Month, through a partnership with Peanut Proud by donating seven pallets (totaling 10,080 jars) of peanut butter to the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.

The donation was also made possible through a partnership with Durham-based TROSA. TROSA graciously supplied their truck carrier service to transport the peanut butter from the Peanut Proud facility to the food bank in Raleigh.

Celebrating the peanut during the month of March began 48 years ago and provides peanut growers, manufacturers, retailers, consumers, and other peanut industry stakeholders, with thirty-one days to celebrate the peanut's versatility and nutritional benefits. Dr. George Washington Carver developed more than 300 uses for the peanut, and today the peanut is known as a flavorful and nutritious addition to any meal.

According to the National Peanut Board, the average adult consumes a Peanut Butter and Jelly sandwich three times a month. A PB&J sandwich may be a quick, comforting sandwich for many. However, as food insecurity and hunger have grown into an epidemic across America, accessibility to this affordable protein-packed pantry staple is critical.

"The Food Bank's partner agencies are currently seeing a 39% increase in people seeking food assistance," said Jesslyn Hill, Food Sourcing Manager for the Food Bank. "This generous donation comes at a perfect time, and we're very grateful."      

Peanut Proud is the peanut industry's humanitarian relief organization that works to supply peanut butter domestically to food banks, schools, after-school programs, and through emergency disaster relief efforts such as the December 2021 tornado outbreak across parts of the Southern United States and Ohio Valley. Various organizations partner with Peanut Proud to ensure those in need have access to the industry's most popular product. 

 "During a time when resources are scarce for so many, and the demand on the food bank system continues to rise, we are grateful to make this donation of a North Carolina grown nutritional superfood. Peanut butter is nonperishable, contains a higher amount of protein than any other nut, and is a great source of several vitamins, minerals, and nutrients," said Ashley Collins, Chief Executive Officer of the North Carolina Peanut Growers Association.   

Source: The North Carolina Peanut Growers Association,  which is solely responsible for the information provided, and wholly owns the information. Informa Business Media and all its subsidiaries are not responsible for any of the content contained in this information asset.