CMC’s Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive Collects Peanut Butter for Local Food Pantries

To help address hunger in our community, Carlsbad Medical Center has donated 1,480 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to Jonah’s House, the Carlsbad Community Kitchen, the Abundant Harvest Food Pantry, and Packs for Hunger.

All of that peanut butter was collected by Carlsbad Medical Center and Pecos Valley Physician Group employees and medical staff members during its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. Other local businesses, such as Financial Security Credit Union, also jumped in to help and provided donations as well.

According to the U.S. Hunger Relief Organization, Feeding America, 13% percent of residents in Eddy County struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.

“I’m proud of the work that our team at Carlsbad Medical Center does every day to support our patients, but I’m also proud of how we support our community,” said Carlsbad Medical Center CEO Matthew Banks. “Food insecurity affects many families right here in Carlsbad and the surrounding area, and we’re glad to do our part to help by organizing this peanut butter drive each year.”

Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious, does not need to be refrigerated, and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report that it is also one of the least donated food items.

Representatives from Jonah’s House, the Carlsbad Community Kitchen, the Abundant Harvest Food Pantry, and Packs for Hunger all reported that they feed hundreds of people each week. All four organizations welcome food donations and need volunteers to keep providing these essential services to our community. Contact information is listed below for anyone interested in donating, learning more, or volunteering.

Jonah’s House 575-887-5904

Carlsbad Community Kitchen 575-885-4174

Abundant Harvest Food Pantry 575-887-1212

Packs for Hunger 860-841-5732