Peanut Butter Donation: Feed Tucson Families | ICS

Tucson‘s Interfaith Community Services Launches Annual Peanut Butter Drive to Combat Summer Hunger

Tucson, AZ – Interfaith Community Services (ICS) has officially launched its ninth annual peanut Butter Party food drive on July 1st, calling on Tucson residents to donate jars of peanut butter throughout the month of July.

The initiative aims to gather more than 10,000 jars by August 1st. The collected peanut butter will provide vital support to households struggling to access nutritious food during the summer months.

How To Participate in the Peanut Butter Party

Everyone is encouraged to participate. Individuals, families, neighborhoods, clubs, and businesses can host their own “Peanut Butter Party.”

Participants simply collect peanut butter and deliver it to ICS. Its a simple and impactful way to give back to the community.

Did You Know? According to Feeding America, food banks saw a 55% increase in the number of people they served in 2020 compared to pre-pandemic levels.

The Growing Importance of Food Drives

Joshua Hennings, ICS Food Distribution Manager, emphasizes the crucial role of food drives. “food drives like the Peanut Butter Party are essential for our food banks,” Hennings stated.

ICS is expanding its food distribution network. In May,they added two new sites for the Mobile Food Bank,and community donations are making it possible to reach underserved areas.

This annual drive also serves as an opportunity for families to instill the values of community service and care in their children.

why Peanut Butter Matters: A Nutritional Staple

Peanut butter is a cornerstone of ICS food banks. Each household receives at least one jar.

It’s an excellent source of protein, requires no refrigeration, and is popular among all age groups. Its long shelf life is beneficial for individuals experiencing housing insecurity or with limited access to kitchen facilities.

Pro Tip: When donating, check the expiration date to ensure the peanut butter will remain fresh for recipients.

The need for food assistance has been on the rise this summer. Earlier this year, ICS expanded its reach by adding two Mobile Food Bank sites in previously underserved communities.

Where and How To Donate Peanut Butter

Donations are being accepted at the following ICS locations:

Location	Address	Hours of Operation
Northwest Food Bank	2820 W. Ina Rd	Mon, Wed: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Tue, Thu: 8 a.m.-6:30 p.m. Fri, Sat: 8-11 a.m.
Eastside Food Drop-Off	8701 E. Old Spanish Trail	Mon – Fri: 11 AM – 1 PM

For those who prefer to donate from home, you can send peanut butter directly to ICS via their Amazon Wish List. Simply select “Front Office Coordinator’s Gift Registry Address” or ship to: ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741.

For additional details, visit icstucson.org/peanutbutter.

The Enduring Need for Food Banks

Food banks play a critical role in communities across the nation. They not only offer immediate relief to families facing food insecurity but also serve as hubs for connecting individuals with other essential resources.

According to a recent report by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, over 34 million people in the United States are food insecure, highlighting the ongoing need for support from organizations like ICS.

Question for our readers: What other creative ways can communities come together to address food insecurity?

Frequently Asked questions About the Peanut Butter Drive

Question for our readers: Have you participated in a food drive before, and what impact did it have on you?

Help Interfaith community Services reach their goal! Share this article and encourage your friends and family to participate in the Peanut Butter Party.

Here are 1 PAA (Put-in-Action) related questions based on the provided article, each on a new line:

Peanut butter Donation: Fighting Hunger and Feeding Tucson Families with ICS

In Tucson, Arizona, the issue of food insecurity affects manny families. International Community Services (ICS) is at the forefront, working tirelessly to combat hunger. One simple yet powerful way to contribute to this cause is through peanut butter donations. This article will explore why donating peanut butter matters and how you can support ICS in feeding Tucson families. Discover how essential pantry staples like peanut butter help improve local communities. The need for food assistance for Tucson residents is consistently high.

The Importance of Peanut Butter in Food Banks

Peanut butter is a highly sought-after item at food banks for several reasons:

• Nutritional Value: Peanut butter provides a high protein content and healthy fats, which are essential for childrenS growth and the overall well-being of families facing food insecurity.
• Shelf Stability: Peanut butter has a long shelf life, making it an ideal staple for food banks. It remains safe to eat for extended periods, avoiding waste, and helps distribute to a wide variety of people.
• Versatility: Peanut butter is incredibly versatile. It can be used in numerous ways-spread on bread, added to smoothies, or eaten as a snack-making it a practical solution for many families in need.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Compared to othre protein sources, peanut butter is relatively inexpensive, making it a cost-efficient food donation choice that stretches resources further.

How Your Peanut Butter Donation helps ICS

ICS provides food assistance to numerous families in Tucson. Your peanut butter donation provides a crucial item, ensuring access to nutritious food.The organization utilizes donations to fulfill different programs and offer food in unique ways.

The Impact of Every Jar

Every jar of peanut butter donated to ICS goes directly to the families in need. The food is distributed in various ways:

• Food Pantries: ICS operates and supports local food pantries where families can collect essential groceries.
• Mobile Food Distributions: ICS also frequently enough has mobile food distribution to those most vulnerable.
• Emergency Food Boxes: During times of crisis, food banks provide emergency kits to those in dire need.

How to Donate Peanut Butter to ICS in Tucson

Contributing is very easy. Make a difference today by donating peanut butter to ICS and improve the quality of life for Tucson families!

Steps to Donate:

1. Check Donation Guidelines: Contact ICS, or browse their website.
2. Purchase Peanut Butter: Be sure it’s within expiration dates.
3. Choose a Delivery Method: There are different methods of donation. Contact ICS to see which method works best!
4. spread the Word: Share your donation efforts on social media.

Real-World Impact: A Case Study

A family of four that had recently faced financial hardship and were unable to afford nutritious food. ICS provided them with access to food distribution.With the help of peanut butter and other donations, the family was able to access food in a time of need. Peanut butter helped them get by and kept the children healthy.

Beyond Peanut Butter: Other Ways to Support ICS

Want to make more of a difference? Donate your time, effort, and other food items!

• Financial Donations: Consider making a monetary donation.
• Volunteer: Volunteer in programs for food distribution.
• Organize Food Drives: Mobilize your community by organizing food drives.
• Explore additional resources at https://www.fema.gov/disasters/how-help.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Here are some common questions about peanut butter donations:

What type of peanut butter is best to donate?

answer: Both creamy and crunchy peanut butter are appreciated! Make sure to donate unopened jars within their expiration dates.

Where else can I donate besides ICS?

Answer: Check out local options such as food banks like the tucson Community Food Bank. Or, check out local Tucson food drives.

Can I donate other items besides peanut butter?

Answer: Yes! In addition to peanut butter,non-perishable food items like canned goods,pasta,and cereal are also beneficial.