UF/IFAS Peanut Butter Challenge 2024

Melody - UF/IFAS PHOTO

By Chelsea Wenz, UF/IFAS Staff Assistant

As you may have heard, the Suwannee County UF/IFAS Extension Office took part in the statewide Peanut Butter Challenge during the months of October and November. While the Challenge typically takes place in October, due to the storms it was extended into November. This annual collection of peanut butter began in 2012 at Extension Offices in the Panhandle to promote peanut producers and offset food insecurity in local communities. The Challenge expanded to include the rest of the state in 2020, and in 2021, Florida A&M partnered with UF/IFAS to join the fun. In 2023, 44 counties in Florida participated with 22,769 pounds collected – enough for 440k peanut butter sandwiches.

The Florida Peanut Industry is an important part of our agricultural makeup. Did you know that Florida produced 504 million pounds of peanuts in 2023? Peanuts in Florida are primarily grown in the Northeast, Panhandle, and Suwannee River region. About 75% of peanuts harvested are processed for peanut butter. Peanuts are harvested between September and November, which as we know very well coincides with hurricane season. Unfortunately, 2023’s Hurricane Idalia caused severe damage to equipment and facilities. There was an estimated $31 to $94 million in damages to field and row crops due to Idalia.

Food insecurity is a serious concern for any community. There are 2.9 million Floridians dealing with food insecurity, which is 13.2% of the state’s population – 1 in 8 Floridians and 1 in 5 children. Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein, fiber, healthy fats, vitamins, and minerals. Peanut butter also has an excellent shelf-life making it easy to store. This year there were 48 UF/IFAS Extension Offices, FAMU Extension Offices, and 4-H Clubs participating to offset hunger in our state.

Suwannee County rose to the Challenge! With almost 596 pounds donated, you have ensured that schools and food pantries in our community have access to delicious and nutritious peanut butter. This could not have gone as well without community partnerships; the Suwannee County Chamber of Commerce, Suwannee County Department of Health, North Florida College Live Oak Campus, and LOVE, Inc. all agreed to participate as drop-off locations. The Suwannee County portion of the Suwannee River Regional Library, Melody Christian Academy, TOPS exercise group, Suwannee County Master Gardener Volunteers, and our 4-H Clubs made substantial donations.

Thank you to everyone who participated! Next year’s Challenge will be bigger and better, and we will continue to support our peanut producers and ensure no one in our community faces food insecurity alone.