Community Cooperative food drive collects over two tons of PB&J donations

Community Cooperative’s pantries are now filled with over two tons of peanut butter and jelly supplies after the nonprofit’s 2022 Peanut Butter & Jelly Food Drive.

To help keep shelves stocked all summer long, Community Cooperative launched its annual PB&J Food Drive in March to rally the support of families, businesses and the community in collecting peanut butter and jelly supplies. A total of 4,100 pounds of donations were dropped off at Community Cooperative’s weigh-in on April 25, which equates to more than 43,700 PB&J sandwiches for the community.

Peanut butter and jelly are some of the most frequently requested items at mobile food pantries because they are kid-friendly, shelf-stable and protein-rich. Distributed through Community Cooperative’s mobile food pantries, PB&J supplies are already landing in the hands of local children, families and seniors in need.

“Many families struggle to keep food on the table during the summer months, and as a result, the need for our services is much greater around this time of year,” said Stefanie Edwards, CEO for Community Cooperative. “While our pantries provide staples like pasta, soup and canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter and jelly remains popular because school-age children can safely make their own sandwiches for a quick energy boost anytime.”

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 included Pelican Preserve with 1,348.5 pounds collected, Colonial Country Club with 615.5 pounds, and Bishop Verot Cheer with 367.5 pounds.

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

About Community Cooperative
For 37 years, Community Cooperative has worked to effectively eliminate hunger and homelessness in Lee County while simultaneously inspiring and supporting sustained positive change in its clients by delivering innovative food, education and social service programs. With a dedicated team of volunteers, board of directors and staff, Community Cooperative stays committed to its core responsibility to collect and distribute resources through a strong and viable network of community partners. Community Cooperative is an exemplary steward of the resources entrusted to it and serves clients with compassion and integrity. Through collaboration and ongoing education, Community Cooperative supports and strengthens those whose lives have been affected by hunger and homelessness, ensuring that they have access to the resources necessary to transform their lives with dignity. For more resources and information on how to get involved, contact Tami Holliday at Tami@communitycooperative.com or call (239) 332-7687. Monetary donations are always welcomed and can be made directly at www.CommunityCooperative.com, or mailed to: Community Cooperative, P.O. Box 2143, Fort Myers, FL 33902.