Merit Health Hosts Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive to Fight Hunger

3/1/2024

Flowood, MS (March 1, 2024) – Merit Health invites community members to join our efforts to fight hunger in Central Mississippi by participating in the second annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the Mississippi Food Network. Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life, yet it is one of the least donated items. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicks off on March 4 and will run through March 22.

Joining Merit Health in this year’s Jars of Love collection drive are several community partners including Ergon, Pafford and AMR Emergency Medical Services, Hinds Community College Nursing and Allied Health, Holmes Community College Nursing, and the Mississippi College Athletic Department. Chamber of Commerce partners include Flowood, Pearl, Rankin, Clinton and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

“Last year our employees, medical staff, and volunteers collected over 1,500 jars of peanut butter, and we look forward to surpassing that number this year. Access to nutritious food can have a significant impact on an individual’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Sam Dean, CEO, Merit Health Jackson market. “Mississippi Food Network estimates that nearly 1 in 6 Mississippians — about 480,600 people — don’t have enough to eat, and more than 1 in 5 children (18.8%) go to bed hungry most nights. We are grateful to these area organizations for partnering with us to increase the impact of our donations as we work together to combat food insecurity in Central Mississippi.”

Peanut butter donations can be dropped off at any of the following locations:

Merit Health Hospitals
Merit Health Clinics
Clinton Chamber of Commerce
Flowood Chamber of Commerce
Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership
Pearl Chamber of Commerce
Rankin County Chamber of Commerce

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