To help address hunger throughout the region, the employees throughout Northwest Health collected nearly 800 jars of peanut butter during its Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive in March.
All of that peanut butter was then donated to local food pantries including the Sacred Heart Food Pantry in Michigan City, Center Township Trustee’s food pantry in La Porte, the food pantry at Community Services of Starke County, Hilltop Neighborhood House food pantry in Valparaiso and Portage Township community food pantry in Portage.
Why Peanut Butter? 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.
“Supporting our local food pantries with donations of peanut butter isn’t just about providing sustenance, it’s about spreading hope and nourishing our communities in need,” said Dr. James Leonard, Chief Executive Officer, Northwest Health – Porter. “Thanks to donations by our team members and a generous donation from BNutty Peanut Butter, we were able to positively impact the health of our community.”
About Northwest Health
Northwest Health is a comprehensive healthcare system committed to providing communities in Northwest Indiana with high-quality, accessible healthcare—from highly specialized care and surgical services to more routine primary care. The system of more than 60 access points includes three hospitals, five emergency departments, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, an ambulance service, and physician offices. A team of more than 3,000 employees work together with the more than 700 physicians on its medical staffs. Northwest Health is owned in part by physicians. For more information, visit NWHealthIN.com.