Florida’s 14th Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Combines Harvest with Hunger Relief
As peanut farmers are about halfway through harvesting this year’s crop, Florida is once again rallying its communities for a meaningful cause: the 14th Annual Peanut Butter Challenge. This statewide effort aims to fight hunger and raise awareness of Florida’s vital peanut industry.
“Peanut farmers are about halfway through with bringing this crop in, but in Florida, they’re raising money for the 14th annual Peanut Butter Challenge. This gives people in Florida a chance to donate jars of protein-packed spread to hungry Floridians. They say donations will be accepted at the local Extension offices until November 26.”
Organized through a partnership between University of Florida IFAS Extension, Florida A&M University, and county Extension agents and volunteers, the initiative encourages Floridians to give back by donating jars of peanut butter.
“Agents and volunteers and the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences Extension and along with the Florida A&M encourage residents to participate. Jars of peanut butter, any size and variety, are welcome, but they must be new, sealed, and not expired.”
The annual event has seen impressive growth. In 2024, 40 of Florida’s 67 counties participated and over 39,000 pounds of peanut butter were donated—a 14,000-pound increase from the previous year.
“In all, last year, 40 of Florida’s 67 counties participated in this program and the people donated over 39,000 pounds of peanut butter. That was a 14,000 pound increase over the previous year.”
Florida is currently the third-largest peanut-producing state, and the crop plays a major role in its agricultural economy.
“In Florida, peanuts are important. They’re the third largest producer. Florida’s peanut industry contributes about $149 million to the state’s economy.”
Participating is simple: visit your local Extension office, pick up a jar of peanut butter, and donate by November 26.
“So, see your Extension folks. Pick up some peanut butter and drop it off so it’ll be counted to see who’s going to be the best. Manatee County said they’re going to be number one again.”
Support Florida families and celebrate one of the state’s most valuable crops—get involved in the Peanut Butter Challenge today.
Audio Reporting by Tyron Spearman for Southeast AgNet.