Escambia County's Peanut Butter Challenge Returns Through Nov. 20

UF/IFAS Escambia Extension is asking community members to donate unopened jars of peanut butter to support local food pantries through Friday, Nov. 20. The annual competition pits Florida counties against each other to collect donations, with Escambia County taking first place statewide last year by collecting 4,214 jars.

Donations can be dropped off at 12 locations throughout Escambia County, including the county administration building, the Extension office on Stefani Road, Cordova Lanes, and several churches and libraries. Peanut butter was chosen as the donation item because of its nutritional value, long shelf life, and to highlight Florida's peanut production industry, which contributed over $168 million to the state's economy in 2025.

"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. The Florida Peanut Producers Association and Florida Peanut Federation will also contribute to totals distributed to food pantries in their regions. For more information, contact Escambia Extension at 850-475-5230.