Longview residents led the third annual "Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive" in September, contributing significantly more peanut butter than participants in Tyler. This friendly competition, organized to support the East Texas Food Bank, successfully gathered a combined total of 13,440 pounds of peanut butter and raised $16,121 in financial contributions. These donations are designated to help combat food insecurity across East Texas.
Throughout the month, Longview residents demonstrated strong support by donating an impressive 8,657 pounds of peanut butter. Their counterparts in Tyler also made a substantial contribution, providing 4,783 pounds of the protein-rich food. The collective effort from both cities resulted in the overall collection of 13,440 pounds. Beyond the direct food donations, the campaign also generated $16,121 in funds, adding another layer of support for the East Texas Food Bank's mission.
Participation in the "Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive" was made accessible to community members through various channels. Residents purchased jars of peanut butter at local stores or through online platforms. Convenient drop-off locations were established across both Longview and Tyler to facilitate donations. The East Texas Food Bank extended "special thanks" to several businesses that served as key drop-off points, including Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, and Fresh by Brookshire’s, acknowledging the broader network of businesses in both cities that supported the initiative. Furthermore, the Food Bank specifically appreciated the "many groups who hosted their own drives," indicating a wide community engagement beyond individual contributions.
The timing of the peanut butter drive in September coincided with Hunger Action Month, a nationwide initiative specifically designed to raise public awareness about the pervasive issue of food insecurity. The East Texas Food Bank underscored the critical local need that the campaign aimed to alleviate. According to information provided by the Food Bank, approximately 1 in 6 adults and 1 in 4 children in East Texas confront hunger regularly. David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank, remarked on the drive's broader impact, stating that "everyone is a winner" in the competition, given that the food and funds collected directly assist "East Texans in need."
Emerson further explained the direct benefit of each contribution, noting that "each jar donated represents a family that will receive nutritious, protein-rich food." He conveyed the Food Bank's deep appreciation to all who participated, stating, "We’re incredibly grateful to everyone who took part in this drive." He also reflected on the campaign's success as a demonstration of collective power, observing that it was "a powerful reminder of what we can accomplish when we come together for a shared cause."
The substantial volume of peanut butter and financial contributions collected through the third annual "Spread the Love" drive will now be utilized by the East Texas Food Bank. These resources are earmarked to deliver essential, nutritious food to families and individuals experiencing hunger across East Texas. This effort marks continued progress in the Food Bank's stated mission of "Fighting Hunger and Feeding Hope" throughout the region.
