LOWER KEYS MEDICAL CENTER KICKS OFF JARS OF LOVE PEANUT BUTTER DRIVE TO SUPPORT SOS FOUNDATION STOCK ISLAND FOOD PANTRY

KEY WEST, Fla. (February 28, 2025) –Lower Keys Medical Center is kicking off its annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive benefitting SOS Foundation Stock Island Food Pantry and is inviting community members to participate in this effort to fight hunger in the local area. 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 3, 2025 and will run through March 24, 2025. In anticipation of the drive, over 40 jars of peanut butter have already been donated by employees and the hospital’s Nutrition Services department.

“Lower Keys Medical Center not only supports the patients who come through our doors, we are also committed to supporting better health throughout our community,” said Dr. Sal Perla, Interim CEO. “With the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive we can help a vital community organization reduce hunger in our area.” 

Tiffany Pellicier, Director of Community Impact with United Way of Collier and the Keys, a partner organization which supports SOS Foundation, said, “Too many of our neighbors are making impossible decisions – choosing between rent, electricity, or putting food on the table. According to the latest ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) report, 43% of households in Monroe County are living paycheck to paycheck, and 13% of residents are food insecure. Our latest data reveals the monthly cost to feed a family of four is $1,310. These are hardworking families who simply don’t earn enough to cover basic needs. No one in our community should have to wonder where their next meal will come from.”
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Residents in the Lower Keys are invited to participate. Donations of peanut butter – and sunflower, almond, and soy butters – can be dropped off at the Front Desk in the main lobby of Lower Keys Medical Center, Mondays through Saturdays, from 7 am to 7 pm.