SwedishAmerican donates more than 1,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly to local food pantries

During SwedishAmerican’s Founder’s Week, June 6 – 14, the hospital held an employee peanut butter and jelly drive at 21 SwedishAmerican locations throughout northern Illinois to provide meals to children in need during the summer months.

SwedishAmerican donated more than 1,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly, which is approximately 890 jars and roughly 17,000 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. SwedishAmerican donated the jars to the Rock River Valley Food Pantry in Rockford and smaller food pantries in Roscoe/Rockton, Belvidere, Davis Junction, Byron and Rochelle.

Why peanut butter and jelly? Peanut butter is a great source of protein, a shelf-stable food and loved by children and adults. One jar of peanut butter and jelly can provide multiple meals to a child who may not receive lunch during the summertime. Peanut butter also is expensive for families in need.

“We are extremely excited to be able to donate more than 1,000 pounds of peanut butter and jelly to our local food pantries,” says SwedishAmerican Community Relations Specialist Katryna Kirby. “Our employees are some of the most generous individuals. They truly believe in SwedishAmerican’s mission, to care for our community and for those in need.”

SwedishAmerican CEO Dr. Bill Gorski and COO Don Daniels enjoy PB&J sandwiches with children at the SwedishAmerican Ryan Jury Child Development Learning Center as they have fun donating jars of PB&J for children in need.