Gadsden Regional Medical Center Fights Hunger Through Its Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive

Gadsden, AL(April 1, 2024) – To help address hunger in our community, and in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, Gadsden Regional Medical Center has donated more than 600 jars of peanut butter to the Etowah Community Food Bank.

All of that peanut butter was donated by Gadsden Regional’s employees, medical staff members, board members, and community partners during the recent Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive. Key community partners included Modern Woodmen of America - Morgan Lavender, Morrison Healthcare, Osborn Brothers Inc., and CDG Engineers & Associates Inc.

According to United Way of Etowah County, approximately 17% of adults and over 22% of children experience food insecurity in Etowah County which results in a struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals who are facing food insecurity, which is a social determinant of health.

“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Mark Dooley, FACHE, Chief Executive Officer. “Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we are working to help fight hunger in our community. Our generous employees and community partners really stepped up to be sure we could stock the shelves at our partnering food bank here in Etowah County.”

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 commonly needed most by food banks include cereal, individual packs of oatmeal and grits, macaroni and cheese, chunky soups, canned chicken, ham, or tuna, rice, and instant potatoes.

“We are so thankful to be the recipient from the Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive that Gadsden Regional Medical Center and their employees have partnered with us on,” said Marie Johnson, Executive Director of the Etowah County Food Bank. “This generous donation from their staff and local businesses will help support multiple partner agencies including Salvation Army, Etowah Baptist Mission Center, and Catholic Center of Concern. We purchase food for these partners and also provide them food from all food drives.”

Additional donations can be coordinated directly through the Etowah Community Food Bank by contacting Marie Johnson, Executive Director, at 256-504-2568 or emailing etowahfoodbank@gmail.com.

About Gadsden Regional Medical Center:
Gadsden Regional Medical Center is a 346-bed acute care hospital with inpatient and outpatient care. We are accredited by the Joint Commission and certified in hip and knee replacements. We have recognized programs in cardiology, pulmonology, sleep medicine and stroke services.

We believe in the power of people to create great care. We're nearly 2,000 healthcare professionals strong, and we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the Etowah County area.