Commonwealth Health Fights Hunger with Second Annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive

4/1/2024

To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, the employees, volunteers and medical staff of Regional Hospital of Scranton and Wilkes-Barre General Hospital donated jars of peanut butter during their second annual Jars of Love drive to Weinberg Northeast Regional Food Bank, Bread Basket of NEPA, and St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen.

In addition to hospital-based donations, community partners, including individuals and businesses, pitched in this year with their contributions to the peanut butter drive bringing the total contributed Jars of Love to 2,220. Peanut butter is one of the most requested items for food banks because it is highly nutritious and has a long shelf life. Unfortunately, many food banks in America report it is also one of the least donated food items. Other foods needed by food banks include pasta, canned goods, butter, grits, beef broth, diapers, toothpaste, and deodorant.

Katie Swift, System Director of Food & Nutrition, Regional Hospital of Scranton; Phoebe Wilson, Executive Director, Bread Basket of NEPA