Photo and article submitted by GRMC
To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Gadsden Regional Medical Center has donated more than 2,800 jars of peanut butter to the Etowah Community Food Bank.
All of that peanut butter was donated by Gadsden Regional’s employees, medical staff members, board members, and community partners during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive.
Key community partners included Altrusa International of Etowah County, Campers Unlimited, Candie Factory Bakery, Darden Rehabilitation, East Gadsden Baptist Church, Emblem Credit Union, Etowah Chamber, Family Savings Credit Union, Family Success Center,
Gadsden City High School Beta Club, Inteva Products, Johnson’s Giant Food, MAXimizing Mental Health, Modern Woodmen, Morrison Healthcare, Ohana Auto Repair, Osborn Foodservice, Peoples Bank of Alabama, ProHealth Home Health & Hospice, Three Notch Group, & WOW Discount Foods.
According to United Way of Etowah County, approximately 17% of adults and over 22% of children experience food insecurity in Etowah County which results in a struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched three years ago to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.
“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Michael Hall, Chief Executive Officer. “Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive each year, we are working to help fight hunger in our community. Our employees and generous community partners really stepped up to be sure we could stock the shelves at our partnering food bank here in Etowah County.”
Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods commonly needed most by food banks include cereal, individual packs of oatmeal and grits, macaroni and cheese, chunky soups, canned chicken, ham, or tuna, rice, and instant potatoes.
“We are so thankful to be the recipient from this year’s Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive that Gadsden Regional Medical Center and the community have partnered with us on,” said Marie Johnson, Executive Director of the Etowah County Food Bank. “This generous donation from their staff and local businesses will help support multiple partner agencies including Salvation Army, Etowah Baptist Mission Center, and Catholic Center of Concern. We purchase food for these partners and also provide them food from all food drives.”
Additional donations can be coordinated directly through the Etowah Community Food Bank by contacting Marie Johnson, Executive Director, at 256-504-2568 or emailing etowahfoodbank@gmail.com.
