FORT WAYNE – Lutheran Health Network will be taking donations for its annual “Jars of Love” Peanut Butter Drive benefitting six area food banks.
They are 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, according to a news release from LHN. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive kicks off today, March 3, and run through March 24.
“Lutheran Health Network not only supports the patients who come through our doors, we are also committed to supporting better health throughout our community,” said Lorie Ailor, chief executive officer of Lutheran Hospital. “Food insecurity is an issue in all of our surrounding counties ranging from 10% to 15%, which has a profound impact on overall health and well-being. With the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we can help vital community organizations reduce hunger in our area.”
Organizations benefitting from the drive include Community Harvest Food Bank, Feeding Tomorrow’s Future Today - Food Packs for Hungry Kids, Wells County Food Bank, Combined Community Services and Miami County Helping Hands and the Salvation Army.
Donation bins this year can be found at all Lutheran Health Network hospitals, OPS - Optimum Performance Sports, YMCA of Greater Fort Wayne Wellness Centers, Purdue Fort Wayne and Elevatus Architecture.
Bin locations can be found in Fort Wayne and Bluffton, as well as Whitley County Family YMCA, 950 E. Van Buren St., Columbia City, and Lutheran Kosciusko Hospital, 2101 East Dubois Dr., Warsaw.