Dealer’s peanut butter drive to benefit NeighborImpact

Robberson Ford, in conjunction with the Ford Focus on Hunger, is joining other Ford dealers throughout the Northwest to collect jars of peanut butter supporting the summer demand for kid-friendly foods at NeighborImpact’s Emergency Food Assistance Program.

The Peanut Butter Drive, which runs from May 14 – 28, is in response to the increased demand for this important staple during the summer months, when many children lose access to school nutrition programs.

It is estimated nearly 24 percent of children are unsure how their next meal will be provided and, when school is out during the summer months, local food banks carry a larger responsibility to feed kids.

Peanut butter is an important protein staple to feed kids during these summer months, but is difficult to acquire in adequate quantities.

To encourage participation in the event on a local level, Robberson Ford is donating one 40 ounce jar of peanut butter for every oil change and will donate four cases (24 jars) with every new Ford purchase. Robberson Ford Quick Lane Parts and Service departments will also offer customers the opportunity to “donate a jar of peanut butter” during check out.

“This is a terrific opportunity to support NeighborImpact and their food bank program,” says Jeff Robberson, President of Robberson Ford. “There is a real need right here in Central Oregon for kids to have access to food high in protein during the summer months. Last year, our employees and customers donated nearly five tons of peanut butter to NeighborImpact to fight childhood hunger. We are excited to participate again this year!”

Robberson Ford has teamed up with Newport Market in Bend and Erickson’s Thriftway in Prineville to purchase peanut butter in bulk quantities for a reduced price. This allows NeighborImpact to receive a larger quantity of peanut butter for distribution to their 40 food partners across Crook, Deschutes and Jefferson Counties.

“The Robberson Ford Peanut Butter Drive plays an important role in helping us feed children during the summer months,” says Carly Sanders, Food Program Manager at NeighborImpact. “We typically see a decrease in donations at the food bank during the summer and, combined with not having access to free and reduced lunches at school, we see in increase in the need for food among children. So we are really thankful to the employees and customers of Robberson Ford for helping keep our shelves stocked with rich, nutritious foods like peanut butter.”

For more information about the Robberson Ford Peanut Butter Drive, please contact Leslie Seaton at Robberson Ford at 541-382-4521 or Carly Sanders at NeighborImpact at 541-323-6548.

About NeighborImpact: Since 1985, NeighborImpact has been a leader in developing solutions and bringing resources to Crook, Jefferson and Deschutes County. The agency offers a diversity of services meeting basic human needs for food and shelter, while enriching people’s lives by providing access to increased education, skills, and hope for the future. NeighborImpact is a private nonprofit organization that receives federal, state and local grants, foundation grants, donations from individuals and business in our community. To learn more about NeighborImpact, please visit www.neighborimpact.org.

NeighborImpact is a 21 Cares for Kids partner.