Thank You, Polk County!
The 2024 Peanut Butter Challenge, organized by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension, was a smooth success. This annual peanut butter jar collection brings communities together to fight hunger and promote one of Florida’s staple crops — peanuts — just in time for the holiday season. And this year, Polk County truly stepped up to the plate!
A huge thank you to everyone who participated in this year’s challenge! From individuals to families to local organizations, your generosity made a tangible difference in the lives of those in need.
A Sweet Show of Generosity from Polk County
Polk County residents showed up in a big way for the 2024 challenge, partnering with local nonprofit KidsPACK to make a significant impact. Together, the community donated an incredible 977 jars of peanut butter, weighing in at a whopping 1,480 pounds. That is almost a 40% increase in jars and 50% increase in total weight compared to last year’s total of 702 jars of peanut butter, weighing 988 pounds.
Here’s a fun fact to put that in perspective: Americans consume about 4 pounds of peanut butter per person each year. That means Polk County’s contribution could meet the annual peanut butter needs of approximately 370 people!
Why the Peanut Butter Challenge Matters
The Peanut Butter Challenge isn’t just a friendly competition among Florida counties — it’s an opportunity to feed hungry families and raise awareness about the importance of Florida’s peanut industry. Peanuts are a versatile, nutrient-rich crop grown right here in our state, making them the perfect staple for fighting food insecurity. In fact, a full 75% of Florida peanuts are processed into peanut butter, which accounts for about half of all US peanut consumption.
As the jars rolled in, the real winners were the children and families who will benefit from this generous outpouring of support. The donations collected in Polk County will stay local, ensuring that those in need within our community have access to this shelf-stable, protein-packed food.
How Polk County Got Involved
This year’s challenge featured multiple donation locations across Polk County, with local libraries and the Polk County Sheriff’s Office stepping up as donation sites, making it easy for residents to participate.
The partnership with KidsPACK added an extra layer of heart to this year’s effort. KidsPACK, a nonprofit dedicated to feeding children in need, ensured the donated peanut butter would reach families in time for the holidays. The sight of the truck loaded with jars and ready for delivery was a proud moment for everyone involved.
A heartwarming highlight of this year’s effort was the inspiring contribution from nine-year-old London Brandt. Motivated by a desire to help those in need, London donated 64 jars of peanut butter to the cause. She creatively gathered these donations by requesting jars of peanut butter for her birthday and receiving support from her community. London’s selfless act exemplifies how individuals of all ages can make a significant impact in their communities. Check out this blog to hear more about her story: How One Girl Is Giving Back!
Join the Fun Next Year
Did you miss out on this year’s Peanut Butter Challenge? Don’t worry, the annual event will be back in 2025! It’s a simple yet impactful way to make a difference while celebrating a Florida-grown crop.
To stay updated on events like the Peanut Butter Challenge, follow Polk County’s UF/IFAS Extension office on social media at Facebook.com/PolkExtension. For more information about the challenge, visit go.ufl.edu/pbc.
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