PBRMC kicks off Jars Of Love peanut butter drive

Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center has kicked off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive for March, benefitting SEMO Food Bank and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in the local area.

Peanut butter is a sought-after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life, PBRMC said in a press release. Yet, it is one of the least donated items.

The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicked off March 1 and will run through March 24.

“Poplar Bluff Regional not only supports the patients who come through our doors, but we are also committed to supporting better health throughout our community,” said Clyde Wood, CEO. “An estimated 1 in 6 families in Southeast Missouri people are facing food insecurity, which has a profound impact on overall health and well-being. With the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive we can help a vital community organization reduce hunger in our area.”

This marks the third year of this campaign and its reach to include local businesses and community centers across Southeast Missouri. Last year, PBRMC donated 8,200 jars of peanut butter to SEMO Food Bank and Poplar Bluff’s Bread Shed. SEMO Food Bank said seven of the 10 counties with the highest hunger rates in Missouri are in Southeast Missouri.

“Peanut butter is a favorite for our neighbors facing hunger because it’s filling, a good source of protein, and can be used in so many ways,” said Joey Keys, chief executive officer of Southeast Missouri Food Bank. “We’re grateful to Poplar Bluff Regional Medical Center for hosting its peanut butter drive for the third year in a row. Each year, it’s grown bigger and better, and we know this year will be no exception. We appreciate their dedication to the fight against hunger in southeast Missouri.”

Donation barrels will be at PBRMC’s main campus, 3100 Oak Grove Road in Poplar Bluff starting March 1st. A QR code and donation link are also available where a $5 donation provides two jars of peanut butter: https://tinyurl.com/JarsOfLove-PBMC