AllianceHealth Ponca City’s “Jars of Love” peanut butter drive collects 1,603 jars of peanut butter for food banks and distribution centers

PONCA CITY — To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, AllianceHealth Ponca City is donating more than 1,600 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to NERA (New Emergency Resource Agency) and Friendship Feast in Ponca City, Associated Charities Food Distribution of Blackwell, and Tonkawa Fish & Loaves Food Pantry.

Peanut butter was donated by AllianceHealth Ponca City’s employees, medical staff members, and volunteers during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. We also appreciate the contributions of community members, Dorada Foods and Garaga.

According to Lori Evans, board chair and volunteer, NERA as seen an increasing demand for food and other services after a benefit cut took effect in March 2023 in SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) households. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.

“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Chris Mendoza, chief executive officer at AllianceHealth Ponca City. “Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we are working to help fight hunger in our community. Our generous employees really stepped up to be sure we could stock the shelves.”

Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include: Friendship Feast: Green beans and corn Blackwell Associated Charities: Taco seasoning and mashed potato packages New emergency Resource Agency: Hygiene products, dry and canned soups, and canned beans Tonkawa Fish & Laves Food Pantry: Canned meats, jelly, and any toiletry items.