Merit Health River Region in an effort to combat local food insecurity 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, hospital officials said. With a food insecurity rate of 17% in Vicksburg and 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,” Merit Health River Region Assistant CEO Trevor Spradling said. “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.”

Hospital officials said special thanks are extended to Delta Bank, Cadence Bank, Vicksburg YMCA, Vicksburg-Warren County Chamber of Commerce, Freeman Physical Therapy, Split Ends Family Salon, and Far East Liquors for serving as community drop-off locations, adding their contributions played an integral role in the drive’s success.

Storehouse Community Food Bank representative Donna Cowart said the drive goes a long way toward helping end food insecurity locally.

“Merit Health River Region’s donation last year lasted us a whole year,” she said. “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 Wednesday, April 2.

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

About Merit Health River Region

Merit Health River Region is your community healthcare provider, a 261-bed facility with inpatient, outpatient, diagnostic, emergency, and medical and surgical services. The dedicated patient care team consists of trained medical professionals, skilled nurses, compassionate support staff and volunteers working together to provide patient-centered care in a professional
and personal environment. We are a care leader, as Mississippi’s first accredited Chest Pain Center and the state’s first digital mammography center. And we work hard every day to be a place of healing, caring and connection for patients and families in the community we call home.