Did you eat peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as a kid? I sure did. Peanut butter was a staple in our house, and we often went through several jars in a week. I remember loving Annette Funicello in the commercials for Skippy, trading sandwiches at school based upon jelly flavors and my mom handing me a slice of peanut butter bread when she needed some quiet time.
As an adult, I’ve lost my taste for peanut butter, but I can’t deny its nutritional value. Peanut butter is packed with protein and essential vitamins and minerals, and it’s surely the food that inspired the phrase “sticks to your ribs.” Mom really did know best when she suggested the sticky stuff for a meal or snack.
That’s why the St. Louis Area Foodbank includes peanut butter on its list of “Best Items to Donate.” No matter if it’s creamy or loaded with nuts, peanut butter offers Foodbank clients some of the easiest and tastiest nutrition possible for just a few dollars a jar. And those who consume peanut butter stay full longer — something that’s so important to Foodbank families.
In honor of National Peanut Butter Day on Jan. 24, will you consider donating a few jars to the St. Louis Area Foodbank? You can drop items off at the Foodbank headquarters or at a number of area food drives and collection sites. Even better, why not gather your friends, coworkers or interest group for a virtual food drive? Through an interactive game, your group can “shop” for peanut butter and other nutritious foods online when it’s convenient and send funds directly to the Foodbank, whose staff then picks up your chosen items at area stores and distributes them to clients in need.
I definitely plan to support the St. Louis Area Foodbank on National Peanut Butter Day. Good nutrition and hearts drawn on sandwiches are both worthwhile things, in my book.
Allison Babka is a freelance writer, “Riverfront Times” columnist, karaoke host and St. Louis Area Foodbank #SocialMediaAvenger. Follow her on Twitter at@ambabka.
