Few culinary pleasures transcend kiddom. But whether crunchy or smooth, paired with jelly, crackers or bread, peanut butter is a food nearly everyone can enjoy. High in protein, it’s also among food banks’ most requested items.
Since 2012, UF/IFAS Extension and partner institution Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension have donated tons of the sticky stuff to food banks through their annual Peanut Butter Challenge. The competition returns Sept. 30, and residents across the state are encouraged to donate jars to their local county Extension office through Oct. 31. Jars of any size and variety are welcome, but they must be new, sealed and not expired.
“Peanut butter is a shelf-stable food that has broad appeal across age groups while being especially kid-friendly,” said Rachel Pienta, Extension Wakulla County Florida 4-H agent. “A PB and J sandwich is a comforting, filling food item that provides protein in a delicious, easy-to-eat form.”
UF/IFAS Extension offices in the Panhandle launched the Peanut Butter Challenge 12 years ago to feed hungry families ahead of the winter holidays. They also hoped to promote Florida’s mighty peanut crop.
In 2023, peanuts contributed more than $137 million to the state economy, according to the Florida Agricultural Statistics Service. The challenge spread statewide in 2020 as the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity and increased demand for food bank assistance. Matching donations from the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and the Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have helped the program consistently increase donations year over year.
Last year’s challenge marked the highest competition participation since 2020: Floridians from 50 counties collected 27,769 pounds of peanut butter — enough to make 440,000 peanut butter sandwiches.
Competition between Extension offices is a friendly affair, with winning counties clinching bragging rights for collecting the most peanut butter by weight. In 2023, UF/IFAS Extension Santa Rosa County won by amassing 1,970 jars (2,485 pounds). Close behind were UF/IFAS Extension Orange County in second place with 1,417 jars (2,311 pounds) and UF/IFAS Extension Wakulla County in third place with 892 jars (1,612 pounds).
Pienta shared Extension Wakulla County’s strategy for winning this year.
“I plan to engage our community partners to become part of the effort,” Pienta said. “The more community buy-in and participation we can encourage, the better our results will be.”
For more information about drop-off locations and participation, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter.
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ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
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