Peanut prices hurting food banks
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I’m visiting family and friends in Ohio, and yesterday I read this story in Cleveland’s daily newspaper, The Plain Dealer. Apparently, due to crop-damaging weather two years in a row, peanut supplies are down and peanut butter prices have risen 30-40% in recent months. As a kid-pleasing, formerly cheap protein source, jarred peanut butter has long been a staple of food pantries. The steep increase in prices, though, means pantry dollars go less far, and peanut butter donations become more expensive for individuals to make. All this as the economy continues to falter and food pantries see ever-growing demand for their services. As the traditional annual holiday food drives get underway, you might consider including peanut butter in your donations. The Cleveland Foodbank recommends donating shelf-stable varieties in larger containers as they last longer.
