“Three Underutilized Trees for Wildlife” held at UF/IFAS Extension Levy County Center,  supported the 2021 Peanut Butter Challenge. There was no charge to attend the workshop but a donation of two jars of peanut butter was gently suggested.

“The Peanut Butter Challenge makes such a simple ask – donating a jar of peanut butter – but our communities always respond in a big way,” said Libbie Johnson, UF/IFAS Extension Escambia County agriculture agent and co-organizer of the Challenge since its [2012] inception. “It’s exciting to be able to share so much of this nutritious, Florida-grown product with our neighbors who may be struggling.”

From October 1 until the week before Thanksgiving, UF/IFAS Extension Levy County competed against dozens of Extension offices for bragging rights. Statewide, fifty-five competitors brought in a massive 45,157 pounds of peanut butter.

“Levy County won top honors, squeezing out a win over Madison County, 7,120 – 6,807 pounds.”

“Our success this year is all thanks to our community, from the local school collections to an incredible donation from the Levy County Farm Bureau, Williston Peanut and Peanut Proud,” said Kristen Brault, who coordinated the UF/IFAS Extension Levy County collection. “We grow and process a lot of peanuts here in Levy County, and it’s rewarding to be able to give these jars right back to food banks, big and small, across our county.”

Workshop participants donated more than fifty pounds of the nutrient dense food. Chestnut Hill Tree Farm provided trees in support of the challenge. Attendees learned about tree health, tree selection and value to wildlife in addition to proper irrigation, fertilization and maintenance practices. Workshop attendees practiced structural and root pruning during the two hour, hands-on horticultural experience.

I echo Johnson’s sentiment “Thank you to everyone who donated a jar to the cause…” Will you join us this October? Be a peanut butter champion! Share the good news, encourage family, friends, and neighbors to participate in the 2022 Peanut Butter Challenge. In the meantime, Spread [Peanut Butter] Joy!!

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