When Linda Scheid thinks about Security National Bank's original peanut butter drive, one memory "sticks out" in particular.
She recalls then-Senior Vice President Dave Holub, conducting the kickoff ceremony several years ago, thinking it'd be a good idea to take a bite out of a peanut butter sandwich to illustrate his point.
But, it turned out having a mouthful of PB&J makes it pretty difficult for Holub to present anything.
“Dave had a hard time finishing because peanut butter is, well, peanut butter,” recalls Scheid, the Executive Director of the Food Bank of Siouxland, with a laugh. “That memory and his enthusiasm for the project has really ‘stuck’ with me.”
That enthusiasm also continues to "spread" throughout the entire community.
The very same peanut butter drive Holub and Scheid launched nearly a decade ago has evolved into an annual tradition: the “Spread the Joy” PB&J drive, a targeted effort aimed at collecting thousands of jars of peanut butter and jelly for the Food Bank of Siouxland. Between Nov. 14 and Dec. 15, community members dropped off jars of PB&J in the lobby of Security National Bank branches around Siouxland.
“Donating peanut butter is the perfect metaphor for kindness,” Scheid says. “One gesture can go a long way to make a difference in someone’s life and the community. It’s simple, it’s sweet, it’s easy to do — and it’s good for you.”
From left: Dave Holub, retired SNB Senior Vice President, Linda Scheid, Executive Director of the Food Bank of Siouxland; Matt Breen, KTIV News Anchor; and Jeremy Craighead, Executive Vice President of Security National Bank.WHY PEANUT BUTTER?
Here are a few more reasons why peanut butter makes such a great food to donate:
- Peanut butter has a long shelf life because of its high-protein content, which means it’s ready for food pantries whenever they need it.
- One 15-ounce jar of peanut butter can make 15 sandwiches. That’s one week’s worth of lunches for a family with three kids.
- Peanuts have more than 30 essential vitamins and nutrients and are often considered a "superfood." They also have seven grams of protein per serving, more than any other nut.
- More than 90 percent of Siouxland households have a jar of peanut butter in their pantries. Peanut butter is also used worldwide for a variety of dishes, from sandwiches to soups to snacks to spoons, making it a local and universal crowd pleaser.
More importantly, Scheid says, donating peanut butter and jelly is great ‘gateway to giving’ for kids.
“I like to remind people that everyone loves to eat,” Scheid says. “Donating food demonstrates that just because your plate is full doesn’t mean others aren’t going hungry, and it’s a way for children to share the food they love with each other. You never know who you might be helping.”
During last year’s Spread the Joy drive, SNB customers and employees donated more than 3,500 pounds of peanut butter and jelly — enough to make over 26,000 sandwiches. This year’s goal is even bigger: two tons of PB&J.
“Our food bank serves the same region as Security National Bank, and that’s why our partnership is so important,” Scheid said. “And SNB has just been an awesome partner. They are generously and genuinely excited about helping, and it shows.”
ABOUT THE FOOD BANK OF SIOUXLAND
The Food Bank of Siouxland serves 11 counties in the Siouxland area, partnering with 100 agencies that assist seniors, homeless veterans, low-income families, and more. It’s estimated that 26,150 people — including 11,210 children — go hungry on a regular basis in our local neighborhoods. Visit the Food Bank of Siouxland website for more information, or to find ways to donate or volunteer.