TPPB and Lubbock Chamber of Commerce Host Peanut Butter Food Drive

LUBBOCK, Texas – The Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce have teamed up this holiday season to host a peanut butter food drive benefiting the South Plains Food Bank.

Peanut butter makes the perfect food bank donation item because it’s high in protein, it can be served in many different ways, and it tastes great. It also has been proven to reduce the risk of diabetes.

“Peanut Butter is one of the basic staple items we want to provide to those who come to the food bank,” said David Weaver, South Plains Food Bank general manager. “We are having a difficult time keeping our staple items, including peanut butter, on our shelves. The effort by our community to support the Peanut Butter Drive are vital to our ability to respond to the needs of the hungry.”

Weaver said as the current recession unfolds across the South Plains, there has been a 25 percent increase in the number of people being served by the South Plains Food Bank and their agencies.

TPPB and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce are encouraging businesses and individuals to donate peanut butter for this cause by the case. For just $20, businesses and individuals can donate a case (or more than one case!) of peanut butter, which will be donated to the South Plains Food Bank. To make it easy, those interested can go to the Chamber’s website at www.lubbockchamber.com to make a donation using a credit card. Contributions will be tax-deductible.

“One case of peanut butter donated to the food bank can really make a difference in the lives of many families this holiday season,” said Shelly Nutt, executive director for the Texas Peanut Producers Board.

The goal is to raise enough to purchase one pallet of peanut butter, which is 136 cases. If you are interested in matching this or any donation, or would like more information on the drive, please contact Mary Jane Buerkle at the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce at (806) 761-7008 or Lindsay Kennedy at the Texas Peanut Producers Board at (806) 687- 6363.

Businesses and individuals can also be a part of the U-Can-Share Food Drive December 7-12. Thursday, December 10 has been designated as Peanut Butter Day!