Over the past few weeks Pierce has been collecting jars of peanut butter. The peanut butter will in turn be donated to the Emergency Food Network in Pierce County. As of November 10, 105 jars have been donated outside the office of Fort Steilacoom’s President Denise Yochum.

Last spring, Yochum went to a breakfast that was sponsored by the Emergency Food Network, where they had a contest for collecting peanut butter, which Pacific Lutheran University participated and won. This sparked the interest in Yochum.

“EFN has trouble getting enough non perishable proteins to distribute to families,” said Yochum. “We wanted to help out and along with Puyallup, we are gathering the protein that is needed. After this collection, we might plan on doing this one a quarterly basis.”

The peanut butter is a source of protein for the children. The peanut butter also last a long time on the shelves, so a person does not need to worry about it going bad fast.  Even bodybuilders have used peanut butter as a snack that is low in calories and high in protein.

“Everyone’s favorite childhood food can play an important role in an adult diet,” stated on an article written by MuscleandFitness.com. “Besides boasting a healthy dose of protein, peanut butter is extremely rich in monounsaturated fats, the healthy variety that can prevent heart disease and is less likely to be stored as body fat. Two tablespoons of creamy peanut butter contain 188 calories, 8 grams of protein, 6 grams of carbs and 16 grams of fat.”

The Puyallup campus is doing a similar contest. They are collecting canned meat products, such as tuna, salmon, and chicken. Puyallup President Marty R. Cavalluzzi is heading up that contest.

“The Emergency Food Network serves more than 60 food programs in Pierce County who in turn serve a diverse population of low-income clients,” said in a mission statement on the EFN website Of the more than 115,000 visits from individuals seeking emergency food assistance each month in the county, 99% fall below national poverty guidelines. More than half are children and seniors and almost half are families with at least one adult working.”

Also stated on their website is for every $1 donated to the charity, $12 of food will be distributed.

The contest last until November 16. Each can of peanut butter that you donate gets you a raffle ticket for a “Coffee break with the President” that will be given away at the All-College meeting.