Escambia County Launches Annual Peanut Butter Challenge Food Drive

UF/IFAS Escambia Extension is kicking off its annual Peanut Butter Challenge today, seeking donations of unopened, unexpired peanut butter jars through November 20 to support local food pantries. The friendly statewide competition among Florida counties is coordinated by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University Cooperative Extension.

Escambia County residents can drop off donations at 12 locations throughout the county, including the Escambia County Administration building, Cordova Lanes, several churches, the Molino Library, and the Escambia Extension Office at 3740 Stefani Road. Last year, Escambia County led the entire state in total jars collected, bringing in 4,214 donations.

"Escambia County had incredible support from our community last year, and I hope to bring that same momentum to this year's challenge," said Nick Simmons, Escambia Extension Services Director. Peanut butter was selected as the challenge's focus item because of its nutritional value, long shelf life, and to highlight Florida's significant peanut production, which contributed over $168 million to the state's economy in 2025.

In addition to community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association and Florida Peanut Federation will also contribute to totals distributed to food pantries in their respective regions. For more information or to participate, contact Escambia Extension at 850-475-5230 or visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter.