TPPB helps raise peanut butter for South Plains Food Bank

The Texas Peanut Producers Board, along with the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce, raised more than $1,200 to purchase peanut butter to benefit Lubbock and South Plains families through the South Plains Food Bank in their first-ever Lubbock Peanut Butter Drive. 

Sixty-two cases of peanut butter were delivered on a pallet to the South Plains Food Bank. David Weaver, general manager of the South Plains Food Bank, said the donation is vital to the food bank’s ability to respond to the needs of the hungry.

“Peanut butter is one of the basic staple items we want to provide to those who come to the food bank,” said David Weaver, general manager of the South Plains Food Bank. “We are having a difficult time keeping our staple items, including peanut butter, on our shelves.”

Businesses and individuals from across the area donated $20 to purchase a case of peanut butter.

Shelly Nutt, executive director of the Texas Peanut Producers Board, said projects like this directly benefit the producers, the community and the food bank, all at the same time.

“Because 70 percent of Texas peanut production is in this area, Lubbock is directly benefiting financially from the peanut farmers in this area who come here to see doctors, to buy clothes, to eat out and so many other things,” Nutt said. “When we purchase the peanut butter for this drive, we’re helping the peanut farmers who are helping the community financially, and we’re helping the food bank and those in need of nutritious food products.”

“Many people don’t realize that peanuts are grown in this area,” said Eddie McBride, Chamber President and CEO. “Those agricultural dollars translate into business for Lubbock and the region. This is a great way to encourage our members to purchase a product that very well could include West Texas peanuts, and, in turn, helps feed families.”

The connection between the Texas Peanut Producers Board and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce extends beyond the peanut butter drive. Mary Jane Buerkle, Chamber Vice President of Communications, grew up in the peanut industry. Her father, Larry Short from Rochester, Texas, is a long time peanut farmer and former Texas Peanut Producers Board director.

TPPB and the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce plan to hold another peanut butter drive at the end of 2010.