WBGH’s ‘Jars of Love’ drive collects peanut butter for St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen

WILKES-BARRE — Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital ran a Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive which raised over 500 jars of peanut butter to be donated to St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen in Wilkes-Barre.

The jars of peanut butter (and other nut butters) were donated by Wilkes-Barre General Hospital employees, medical staff, members, and volunteers.

According to Feeding America, 12.9% of residents in Luzerne County struggle to put food on the table. The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive was launched to help support individuals within the community who are facing food insecurity.

“Food insecurity has a significant impact on a person’s overall health and wellbeing,” said Simon Ratliff, CEO of Commonwealth Health Wilkes-Barre General Hospital.

“Through our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, we are helping to fight hunger in our community. Our employees generously donated to be sure we could stock the shelves at St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen,” Ratliff said.

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.

“This donation, which we are grateful for, will help St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen’s mission which serves over 300 families in our community a month,” said Mike Cianciotta, Director of St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen.

The Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive comes just in time for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2.

The St. Vincent de Paul pantry and clothing room are open every Tuesday and Thursday from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. The kitchen serves a hot meal seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Donations to the pantry are accepted seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.

Individuals can support St. Vincent de Paul Kitchen by volunteering their time, hosting a food drive, or donating food and/or money.