Merit Health Hosts Third Annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive to Fight Hunger in Central Mississippi

4/10/2025

FLOWOOD, MS (April 10, 2025) – Merit Health recently wrapped up its third annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the Mississippi Food Network. Held in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, the initiative brought together local businesses, organizations, and community members to help combat hunger in Central Mississippi. This year’s drive collected nearly 5,000 jars of peanut butter for the Mississippi Food Network.

Merit Health was joined in the effort by Pafford and AMR Emergency Medical Services, accentCare Home Health, Hinds Community College Nursing and Allied Health, Holmes Community College Nursing, and the Mississippi College Athletic Department, along with support from Chamber of Commerce partners including Flowood, Pearl, Rankin, Clinton and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

“We are grateful for the many community partners who enthusiastically joined us once again in the fight against hunger in our state,” said Dr. Greg Oden, chief medical officer. “Thanks to the generous donations from our partners, employees, medical staff, and board members, we were able to make a significant impact. We continue to support the Mississippi Food Network’s critical mission to reduce food insecurity in Mississippi, and we’re proud to help stock the shelves for those in need in our community.”

“One in six Mississippians struggle to put food on their plates, many of which are working families or seniors on a fixed income," says Mississippi Food Network Senior Development Manager Stacey Cain. "The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive will provide over 16,500 meals to many of these families in our communities. Mississippi Food Network is so grateful for Merit Health and their generosity in continuing to feed families with love for the past three years.

For more information on how to support the Mississippi Food Network, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit their website at www.msfoodnet.org.

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