Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive Collects Peanut Butter for the Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies

3/30/2023

Jefferson City, TN (March 30, 2023) – To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital donated more than 60 jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) to the Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies.

All of the peanut butter was donated by Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital’s employees, medical staff members, and volunteers during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive.

According to Feeding America, the food insecurity rate is at 13.9% of our Jefferson County population. Food insecurity is defined as “the lack of access, at times, to enough food for an active, healthy life.”

“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Ben Ridder, CEO Tennova Healthcare - Jefferson Memorial Hospital. “Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we are working to help fight hunger in our community. Our generous employees were so eager to donate to be sure we could stock the shelves for our community.”

Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include canned soup, canned fruit, canned vegetables, canned beans, pasta and rice.

The Appalachian Ministries of the Smokies is a poverty relief ministry in partnership with the community. They provide a spectrum of services including home repair, food pantry, clothing ministry, educational programs and shelter to women and children through the Samaritan House family Ministries (SHFM). If you would like to donate to them or to volunteer, please reach out to them at 865-475-5611 or find more information online at aoministry.org.

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