Alabama peanut growers help needy families
May 19, 2009 9:53 AM
"We hope our donation will help the food banks in Alabama fill the void which occurred over the last several months and help them reach even more individuals who may be in need."
The Alabama Peanut Producers Association (APPA) made a special delivery recently and donated 24 pallets (approximately 25,000 - 12 ounce jars) of peanut butter to the Montgomery Area Food Bank, for distribution to other food banks throughout the state.
The contribution will help needy families enduring economic hardships while increasing the awareness of the health benefits of peanuts and peanut butter. In addition to the Alabama Peanut Producers Association, various peanut-related companies and organizations are donating the peanut butter.
“This project was initiated by our Association and joined by the Farmers Federations in those counties that produce peanuts,” said Carl Sanders, president of the Alabama Peanut Producers Association. “We hope our donation will help the food banks in Alabama fill the void which occurred over the last several months and help them reach even more individuals who may be in need.”
The shipment was delivered to Montgomery by Southern Ag Carriers, a major transportation company in the peanut industry, which donated their services for the event. The peanut butter was manufactured by Tara Foods of Albany, Ga., which is a subsidiary of the Kroger Company.
“Agriculture is a vital part of not only this state, but this country as a whole,” said U.S. Congressman Bobby Bright. “I’m proud to be a part of this event and continue to look forward to representing this area and protecting it’s interest in Washington.”
“For the Alabama Peanut Producers donating peanut butter to food banks across the state is a truly gracious offering,” said Commissioner of Agriculture & Industries Ron Sparks. “Peanut butter is extremely nutritious, easy to use and store, and certainly is delicious. This will provide many people with a healthy lunch or snack that is grown and produced right here in Alabama.”
Sanders concluded by telling attendees “Over 50 percent of the peanuts grown in Alabama is used in peanut butter,” Sanders said. “As we often like to say, this donation represents a wholesome product “from our farms to your table.”
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