The friendly competition among counties – including Duval County - asks community members to bring a jar of peanut butter to their local Extension office by Oct. 31, after which the totals will be counted and bragging rights awarded to the counties that collect the most. The donations are then given to local food pantries, backpack programs and other partners in the fight against food insecurity.

“This challenge is dear to me. Over the years, I’ve had the privilege of delivering peanut butter across the city to pantries that help feed our neighbors,” said Tracy Akers Williams, UF/IFAS Extension Duval County Marketing Manager and Peanut Butter Challenge coordinator.

The UF/IFAS Extension Duval County office, located at 1010 N. McDuff Ave, Jacksonville, FL 32254, will be collecting donations of unopened, unexpired peanut butter jars of any size. Other community partners accepting donations include:

• City Hall, 117 West Duval St, Employee Services Mezzanine Floor
• Jacksonville Main Library, 303 N. Laura Street, Nicholle Burton
• All local public libraries
• Ed Ball Building, 214 N. Hogan Street, Rose Nettles Public Works, 10^th Floor

 
In addition to its nutritional value and long shelf life, peanut butter was originally selected as the donation item as a way to highlight Florida’s peanut production. Peanuts, especially those grown for peanut butter, are a major crop in Florida, contributing $149 million to the state’s economy in 2024.
The Annual Peanut Butter Challenge began in Florida’s Panhandle counties in 2012 and spread statewide in 2020.

“It’s always heartwarming to hear the stories of community involvement,” said Jennifer Bearden, UF/IFAS Extension Okaloosa County agriculture agent and co-organizer of the 2023 event. “This event has always relied on community support, and the competition between counties is all with a positive message at its heart.”

Partnerships are also welcomed, with organic competitions often springing up in schools, clubs, office buildings and the like. Contact the Duval County office to get connected at 904-255-7450.

In addition to the community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have partnered with the project for years. These organizations are based in the northwest and northeast peanut-producing regions of the state and will again contribute to the totals distributed to food pantries in those regions. 

For more information about how to participate, visit sfyl.ifas.ufl.edu/peanutbutter.