Better Together: Peanut Butter & Jelly Community Food Drive
When we think of kids in summertime, many of us conjure images of children splashing in pools, playing sports at camps, having sleepovers with friends or racing against the sun’s heat to enjoy an ice cream cone before it melts.
But for many children, in our neighborhoods and beyond, these idyllic scenes are far from reality. In fact, for more than 18,000 students in Chester County, school’s being out of session means that the only meal they can be certain of—school lunch—is no longer a constant they can count on. Also, many kids who aren’t old enough to cook something safely for themselves are left home alone. Peanut butter and jelly isn’t just for kids, but families and seniors also rely on this pantry staple.
That’s why the Chester County Food Bank is once again hosting its Better Together: PB&J Community Food Drive to help fill the shelves of neighbors in need with a crowd-pleasing food: peanut butter and jelly! This classic sandwich is a good source of protein, and is also easy for school-age kids to make for themselves without risk of cuts or burns.
We’ll be gathering the supplies we need to keep our agencies stocked all summer long at our Fifth Annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive and Community Weigh-In.
Here’s how it works:
- To participate in the PB&J Drive, first assemble a team. This can be neighbors, co-workers, school groups, family—anyone!
- Begin collecting donations of any brand or type of peanut butter, almond or alternative nut butter, jelly or jam. We ask that items have NO high fructose corn syrup and no trans fats. To avoid breakage, we ask for plastic jars instead of glass. Also, no expired or homemade items or pre-made sandwiches, please.
- Weigh in! On Friday, June 7, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m (new time this year), bring all of your donations to the Chester County Food Bank in Exton for the Community Weigh-In event! If you’ve never been to the Food Bank this is also a great time to get a tour and learn more about us.
We’ve had such an amazing response to this community food drive. Since it’s inception the PB&J Drive has brought in over 35 TONS of peanut butter and jelly. We are BETTER TOGETHER. Will you join us?
For more info on the PB&J drive, check out the event flyer or email food@chestercountyfoodbank.org. Check out our Food Drive Tool Kit for printable flyers and details. If you’re unable to participate directly in the drive, please consider making a financial donation. Because CCFB can buy the food our clients need in bulk, we can stretch your dollars further to purchase even more of this important pantry staple with your generous donation.
The Chester County Food Bank is the central hunger relief organization serving more than 120 food cupboards, meal sites and social service organizations throughout Chester County. We mobilize our community to ensure access to real, healthy food. Reach us at 610-873-6000.
Editor’s Note: This post was originally published in May 2018 and has been updated for accuracy and comprehensiveness.