Company News, In the Community

Washington Trust Launches 21st Annual “Peanut Butter Drive”

April 07, 2021

For more than 20 years, Washington Trust has been helping our neighbors in need through an annual collection of one of the most nutritious items for families to have on their shelves- peanut butter. Through our annual Peanut Butter Drive, employees, customers and community members have collected the equivalent of more than 143 tons of peanut butter since 2001. That’s enough to make more than 4.5 million peanut butter sandwiches!

Amidst the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, families were faced with a slew of unprecedented challenges: the disruption of education (and free meals!) for school-aged kids, uncertainty surrounding housing and rent payments, record job losses, economic hardships and of course, public health challenges for people of all ages.

Unsurprisingly, the need in the community skyrocketed and the Food Bank has seen a 28% increase in the number of people that they are serving each month. Food Bank member agencies have shifted to provide contactless pickup, drive-through distribution, home deliveries and more to meet the need.

“Due to the pandemic, our 2021 Peanut Butter Drive will be a bit different this year,” said Beth Eckel, Senior Vice President and Chief Marking & Corporate Communications Officer. “Instead of collecting actual jars of peanut butter, we will raise funds by accepting online donations directly for our partners at the Food Bank. This will not only ensure safety for all but will also exponentially increase the amount of peanut butter that can be distributed to our local communities. For every $5 raised, the food bank can secure 5 jars of peanut butter for families in need.”

Washington Trust invites you to support the annual peanut butter drive by visiting peanutbutterbank.com and making your donation today! Spread the word!

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