NASHVILLE, N.C. — 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.
About North Carolina Peanut Growers Association
North Carolina peanut farmers produce 8% of the nation’s peanut supply. In 2021 there were 113,000 acres of peanuts planted that produced 492 million pounds of peanuts. The North Carolina Peanut Growers Association represents the nearly 500 peanut growers across the state. The Association was formed in 1953 to represent peanut growers through research, education, advocacy, and promotion.
About the Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina
The Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina is a nonprofit organization that has provided food for people at risk of hunger in 34 counties in central and eastern North Carolina for 40 years. The Food Bank serves a network of more than 800 partner agencies such as soup kitchens, food pantries, shelters, and programs for children and adults through warehouses in Durham, Greenville, New Bern, Raleigh, the Sandhills (Southern Pines), and Wilmington. In the fiscal year 2020-2021, the Food Bank distributed nearly 139 million pounds of food (over half of which was perishable) and non-food essentials through these agencies. Sadly, hunger remains a serious problem in central and eastern North Carolina. In these counties, nearly 600,000 people struggle to access nutritious and adequate amounts of food necessary for an active and healthy life. Website is available in Spanish and English: foodbankcenc.org.
About TROSA
TROSA is an innovative, multi-year residential program that empowers people with substance use disorders to be productive, recovering individuals by providing comprehensive treatment, experiential vocational training, education, and continuing care.
–North Carolina Peanut Growers Association
RECOMMENDED ARTICLES
RALEIGH, N.C. — Shoppers have rediscovered the trusty peanut. Once considered a nostalgic ballpark snack, peanuts are becoming fashionable as an affordable plant-based protein that is surprisingly healthful, delightfully shelf-stable, and locally grown. The roasted legume (not a true nut) has a unique cholesterol-free combination of protein, fiber, minerals, and bioactive compounds that make it […]
TIFTON, Ga. — March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration at the beginning of the month by hosting the 2022 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta on March 1. During the month-long celebration, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) donated peanut butter […]
TIFTON, Ga. — The Georgia Peanut Commission has selected 13 chefs from across the state to create special Georgia Peanut-inspired dishes for the first-ever Georgia Peanut Restaurant Week, taking place from October 4-11. Each chef will use ingredients including raw or roasted peanuts, peanut oil, or peanut flour, to name a few. The selected chefs and some of […]
