By Clint Thompson
The Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) is using National Peanut Month to give back to local communities.
Joy Crosby, director of communications at GPC, discussed the various ways the commission and Peanut Proud have donated peanut butter to the Southeast.
“For National Peanut Month, the Georgia Peanut Commission has worked with Peanut Proud to donate a little over 28,000 jars of peanut butter to four different food banks. The first one was the Atlanta Community Food Bank in Atlanta, Georgia. We also donated to the Capital Area Food Bank in Washington, D.C.; the Second Harvest of South Georgia Food Bank that covers the Valdosta, Thomasville, Tifton area; as well as the Feed North Carolina Food Bank,” Crosby said.
“Peanut butter is one of the most requested items at food banks. We’re very fortunate to be able to donate this much peanut butter and help celebrate National Peanut Month through the donation.”
GPC’s partnership with Front Row Motorsports and No. 38 driver Todd Gilliland led to the donation to the food bank in North Carolina.
The GPC, in conjunction with the United States Peanut Federation (USPF), partnered with Peanut Proud, the peanut industry’s humanitarian relief organization. They donated 10,080 jars of peanut butter to serve the Capital and surrounding area.
The USPF members were joined on site at the Capital Area Food Bank warehouse by U.S. Congressman Sanford Bishop of Georgia.
“Peanut butter is nutrition packed, versatile, inexpensive, easy to store and is a convenient source of protein and heart-healthy fats,” said Congressman Bishop. “It helps reduce insulin resistance and is a good source of fiber. On top of that, it’s good.”