It’s that time of year-the peanut butter challenge
Each October, extension offices across the state try to outcompete one another to collect the most jars of Peanut Butter. Each year the challenge gets better. The challenge gets bigger. The competition gets fiercer. The challenge gets nuttier. This year we’re very excited that Florida A&M is joining in on the peanut butter challenge too!
What is the peanut butter challenge? The peanut butter challenge is a truly wonderful way for Floridians to celebrate Florida’s peanut agriculture industry and to help combat local hunger. Each participating extension office collects unopened jars of peanut butter (or similar) through the month of October. Whichever county collects the most jars wins! All donated jars go to local food banks and charities to distribute to high-need community members.
How to Donate
Donating is easy! Feel free to drop off any of your contributions to any of the following locations.
- UF/IFAS Extension Nassau County Office (543350 US-1, Callahan, FL 32011)
- Nassau County BOCC – James Page Building (96135 Nassau Place, Yulee, FL 32097)
- Fernandina Beach Library (25 N. 4th Street, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034)
- Hilliard Library (15821 County Road 108, Hilliard, FL 32046)
- Nassau County Animal Control (86078 License Road, Fernandina Beach 32034)
- Nassau County Chamber of Commerce (961687 Gateway Blvd, Suite 101G, Fernandina Beach, FL 32034)
Donate today for this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge!
Fun, Fancy, Peanut Facts
Peanut butter is a vital, shelf-stable product for pantries and is packed with nutrients. Food pantries seek out peanut butter because it is shelf-stable and provides lots of nutrients. In addition, it is listed on Florida’s Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) foods list. Some other fun, fancy peanut facts include:
- Florida production averages $145 million for peanuts, or approximately 670 million pounds each year.
- The majority of Florida’s peanuts grow in Suwannee Valley or the Panhandle.
- Only five gallons of water is needed to produce 1 ounce of peanuts, compared to the 80 gallons needed to produce 1 ounce of almonds.
- Peanuts’ best friend is rhizobia – a specific bacteria. Rhizobia fix atmospheric nitrogen for peanuts and receive carbohydrates in exchange.
More Information
Florida Peanut Producers Association