In honor of March being National Peanut Month, the Virginia Peanut Board and Virginia Peanut Growers Association is teaming with Peanut Proud to contribute peanut butter to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, a partner state association of Feeding America.

National Peanut Month is an opportunity to recognize the versatility of the humble peanut. From Virginia’s famous gourmet peanuts to in-shells to peanut butter, a diverse variety of products are made from peanuts or use them as an ingredient, taking advantage of the nutritional value they provide.

A peanut butter sandwich, so simple to make, is packed with protein, vitamins, minerals, folate and other benefits for the body.

This is the fourth year in a row that Virginia’s peanut growers have contributed two pallets (2,880 jars) to kick off the March celebration. This year, the donation increased significantly, with a six-pallet (8,640 jars) contribution from Peanut Proud, an industry-sponsored charitable organization that reacts to existing needs, whether it be for food banks in the peanut growing states or disaster relief.

Peanut Proud was also involved with the Virginia Peanut Growers’ donation during each of the last two years.

“Peanut butter is desperately needed by our food banks,” said Dell Cotton, executive secretary of the Virginia Peanut Growers Association. “The nutritional benefits of our industry’s most popular product makes it a necessity for the people who are served by food banks. I hope others will follow our lead and contribute much-needed food items, including peanut butter, to their local food relief organization.”

“Our friends in the peanut industry continue to step forward every March in honor of National Peanut Month and help stock our food banks with peanut butter. We are so grateful for this generous donation that will make a difference in the lives of so many who are struggling to put food on their tables,” said Leslie Van Horn, executive director of the Federation of Virginia Food Banks.

The Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, a member of Feeding America and the Federation of Virginia Food Banks, has been providing food for those facing hunger since 1981, having distributed more than 246 million meals throughout Hampton Roads, Western Tidewater and Accomack County.

Since 1986, the Virginia Peninsula Foodbank has been providing hunger relief to the cities of Hampton, Newport News, Poquoson and Williamsburg, and the counties of James City, Gloucester, Mathews, Surry and York. The organization has provided more than 127 million meals in 30 years.