Spreading Hope: Peanut Butter Challenge Tackles Hunger

It's that time of year again where Orange County gets a little nuts… meaning peanuts!

Hosted by our partners at UF|IFAS Extension Orange County, the Peanut Butter Challenge is back and we're ready to spread some positivity.

Started in 2012 by the UF|IFAS Extension offices in the Florida Panhandle, the Peanut Butter Challenge was created to provide nutritious food to families in need. The COVID-19 pandemic and a series of hurricanes brought hardship to food pantries across Orange County and with it, a dire need for our communities to help one another. And what better way than to getJiff-y with it?

But of all the non-perishable foods, why peanut butter?

"Peanut butter is shelf-stable, protein-rich, and versatile," explained Kevin Camm, County Extension Director of UF|IFAS Extension Orange County. "Plus, since Florida is a leading peanut producer, every donation not only helps families but also highlights our state's agriculture."

Orange County has participated in the Peanut Butter Challenge for years, with 2024 being its most successful year, collecting nearly 4,000 jars of peanut butter, totaling over 5,000 pounds.

Last year's record-breaking success was made possible by the communal effort among businesses, schools, local government, and neighborhood partners. "It was truly a community effort," Camm said. "When the community takes ownership of the Challenge, the impact grows far beyond what Extension alone could ever accomplish and reminds us of what we can accomplish when we all pitch in together."

And you butterbelieve we're aiming higher this year.

Collected peanut butter will be counted and donated to local food pantries across all commission districts ahead of the holiday season-just another way our team of smooth operators bring joy to those in need. "The beauty of the Peanut Butter Challenge is that when you drop off a jar, you know it's going to directly benefit a neighbor right here in our community," said Camm.

First time hearing about the challenge? Camm sums it up in a nutshell:

"The Peanut Butter Challenge is a fun, statewide food drive where every jar collected helps fight hunger locally and supports Florida farmers, so tossing one extra in your cart makes a real difference."

Donation sitesare but a hop, Skippy, and a jump from all corners of Orange County. And if you're a goofy goober, too, we'll see you in the peanut butter aisle.