Tyler and Longview residents are once again participating in the East Texas Food Bank's third annual “Spread the Love” peanut butter drive, which continues through September 24. This yearly competition aims to collect peanut butter to help stock the shelves of food pantries and combat food insecurity across 26 counties in East Texas. The winning city, determined by the total weight of donations, will be announced on September 28.
This drive coincides with Hunger Action Month, a nationwide effort led by Feeding America each September to raise awareness about food insecurity and encourage action. Residents can contribute by dropping off physical jars of peanut butter at participating Brookshire’s, Super 1 Foods, and FRESH by Brookshire’s locations in both Tyler and Longview. Additionally, virtual jars of peanut butter can be purchased through the East Texas Food Bank’s website, with funds allocated for food purchases in the respective communities.
David Emerson, CEO of the East Texas Food Bank, noted the generosity of local communities, stating that “our communities are so generous and so philanthropic.” The need for assistance is significant: one in six adults and one in four children in the food bank’s 26-county service area are considered food insecure, affecting more than 83,000 children. Emerson explained that individuals can “fall in and out of food insecurity all the time” due to various circumstances such as job loss, illness, or car trouble, with children often being the most severely impacted.
Peanut butter is a crucial item for the food bank because it is nutritious, kid-friendly, high in protein, and shelf-stable. Emerson highlighted that it is “one of our most demanded products that we have from our partners.” Annually, the food bank purchases approximately four full truckloads of peanut butter, and the drive helps offset a portion of this cost. Last year’s competition collected more than 8,000 pounds of peanut butter, which Emerson equated to about 10,000 meals. Despite this volume, collected peanut butter is distributed quickly, typically lasting about a month.
While the competition focuses on Tyler and Longview, the need for food assistance extends throughout the food bank’s broad service area, especially in rural areas within the 26 counties. These communities often face challenges such as limited access to grocery stores, transportation issues, fewer employment opportunities, and food deserts. The food bank addresses these wider needs through initiatives like its annual summer feeding program, which expanded by 30% this year to reach more rural areas.
The friendly rivalry adds a unique element to the campaign. Tyler won the inaugural competition, while Longview secured the title last year. City employees, local businesses, and residents participate alongside their mayors, with weekly updates posted on the food bank’s social media channels. Emerson reiterated that “the important thing to note is this drive helps our neighbors, no matter which city wins,” expressing appreciation for the participation and generosity of all involved.
