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Spread the Word: UF/IFAS Extension Peanut Butter Challenge Kicks Off October 1
off on Friday, October 1, 2021. Fresh jars of peanut butter can be donated to Citrus County
Extension office, located at 3650 W Sovereign Path, Lecanto, from Friday, October 1 through
Wednesday, November 24 2021.
Coordinated by UF/IFAS Citrus County Extension, a competition among counties – for bragging rights
only – was conceived to help feed hungry families ahead of the holidays, in addition to promoting a
Florida-grown crop. The peanut, which is produced mainly throughout the northern regions of the
stat contributed $119 million to the state’s economy in 2019, according to the Florida Agricultural
Statistics Service. Peanut butter is an ever-popular item in food pantries for its nutrient density
and shelf stabilit
In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida
Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations will again
contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries.
The project took on new meaning last year, as demand for food bank assistance had increased as an
economic effect of the COVID-19 pandemic. The latest numbers from the United States Department of
Agriculture shows food insecurity affected roughly one in 10 Floridians in 2020.
During the 2020 Peanut Butter Challenge, participating UF/IFAS Extension County offices donated
over 27,000 total pounds of peanut butter to area pantries. “We were impressed and touched by the
communities’ grassroots support for area families and the community food banks that help support
them,” said Stephanie McMinds, UF/IFAS Extension Citrus County’s challenge coordinator.
To partner with Citrus County’s collection this year, call 352-527-5700. Follow along on social
media at https://www.facebook.com/UFIFASExtCitrus.
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is
to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that
knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life throughout the state.