Community donations equate to 128,000 PB&J sandwiches for children, families and seniors in need

Community Cooperative’s pantries are now filled with over 4 tons of peanut butter and jelly supplies thanks to community support of the nonprofit’s 2021 Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive.

Peanut butter and jelly are some of the most frequently requested items at mobile food pantries because it is kid-friendly, shelf-stable and protein-rich. To help keep its shelves stocked all summer long, Community Cooperative launched its annual Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive in March to rally the support of families, businesses and the community in collecting PB&J supplies.

A total of 8,131.5 pounds of PB&J donations were dropped off at Community Cooperative’s weigh-in on April 21, which equates to 128,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches for the community. Today, supplies are already landing in the hands of local children, families and seniors in need, distributed through Community Cooperative’s mobile food pantry.

“Our community helped spread the love in a big way through generous support of this year’s PB&J drive, and we are incredibly thankful for the many individuals, businesses, community groups and even entire neighborhoods that made it possible,” said Tracey Galloway, CEO of Community Cooperative.

“These donations can now directly impact our neighbors in need, providing important sustenance to those who rely on these pantry staples.”

Thousands of jars of peanut, almond and alternative nut butters, jellies and jams came in from individuals and families as well as over a dozen business and community teams that organized their own collection drives.

Top collection teams by community sector included real estate photographers Real Tours with 2,745.5 pounds collected, the Pelican Preserve community in Fort Myers with 961 pounds, and the Island Coast High School with 436 pounds.

This year’s Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive also honors Community Cooperative’s late founder Sam Galloway Jr., who began the Soup Kitchen 37 years ago by handing out peanut butter and jelly sandwiches after church in downtown Fort Myers to people who needed food.

For more information on Community Cooperative’s efforts or to learn more about upcoming food pantries, visit CommunityCooperative.com.