TIFTON, - The Georgia peanut industry has donated 28,224 jars of peanut butter to the Food Bank of Southwest Georgia in celebration of Hunger Action Month in September. Representatives from the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, American Peanut Shellers Association and Georgia Farm Bureau, along with 14 other individuals, organizations and businesses donated enough peanut butter to make 350,000 sandwiches.

"Peanut butter is an excellent source of protein and an ideal item to have in our pantries because adults and kids alike can make a quick meal or snack out of it," said Brett Kirkland, president of the Food Bank of Southwest Georgia. "Thanks to the peanut industry and the donors of this project; this large donation of peanut butter will help us and our 300 partner agencies continue to distribute high-quality, easy-to-prepare food to those in need of food assistance."

The Food Bank of Southwest Georgia serves 20 counties throughout Southwest Georgia and partners with over 300 agencies to serve approximately 30,000 people each year, including 10,000 children. In the 20 county service area, there are 100,000 people living in poverty and 200,000 people at risk of being food insecure at some point during the year.

"On behalf of Georgia's 4,500 peanut farmers, the Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to donate peanut butter to the Georgia Association of Food Banks," says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. "Peanut butter is a cost effective way for individuals to receive nutrients such as protein they need in their diets to stay healthy."

"Buying points across the nation are proud to be a part of this industry promotion," says Gary Cromer, president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. "We have some extra peanuts market ready and this will help lots of people during these economic tough times."

"The American Peanut Shellers Association is delighted to support this industry effort and to help feed the hungry in Georgia a nutritious and tasty product - peanut butter," says Joe Campbell, chairman of APSA.

"Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to partner with the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association and American Peanut Shellers Association on this project to help Georgians in need by providing them with a healthy, nutritious food product that's grown and produced here in Georgia," says Zippy Duvall, Georgia Farm Bureau president. "Donating peanut butter made from Georgia grown peanuts that are processed by a company located in Georgia not only helps those in need, but also helps Georgia's peanut farmers who are currently facing a tough market and supports Georgia jobs, which is important in this tough economy."

The peanut butter donated was processed locally at Tara Foods, in Albany, Ga., using Georgia grown peanuts. Donations are still being accepted for this program to help the Georgia Association of Food Banks. A donation form is available online at www.gapeanuts. com and www. peanut-shellers.org for those interested in participating.