Merit Health River Region Fights Hunger Through Its Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive

4/2/2025

Vicksburg, MS, April 2, 2025 – Merit Health River Region, in a commendable effort to combat hunger, has culminated its Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive by collecting a record 1,339 jars of peanut butter for the Storehouse Community Food Pantry.

The annual drive, now in its second year, saw an impressive increase from last year's collection of 1,159 jars. With a food insecurity rate of 17% in Vicksburg, Warren County, the initiative aims to support the community's food needs with peanut butter, a nutritious food item with a long shelf life.

"We are profoundly grateful for the community's overwhelming support," said Trevor Spradling, assistant CEO at Merit Health River Region. "The success of our Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive demonstrates the power of collective action in addressing critical issues like food insecurity. Every jar collected will make a difference in someone's life."

Special thanks are extended to Delta Bank, Cadence Bank, Vicksburg YMCA, Vicksburg Chamber of Commerce, Freeman Physical Therapy, Split Ends Family Salon, and Far East Liquors for serving as community drop-off locations. Their contributions played an integral role in the drive's success. Donna Cowart, a Storehouse Community Food Bank representative, expressed her gratitude, stating, "Merit Health River Region's donation last year lasted us a whole year. We are thrilled to receive this year's contribution, which will continue to support our mission of providing nutritious food to those in need."

The donation was made on Wednesday, March 28, just in time for National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day today.

Merit Health River Region remains committed to improving community health and well-being in all aspects, including addressing food insecurity.

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