TIFTON, Ga. - The Georgia peanut industry officially kicked off the “Peanut Proud & Feeding Georgia” program today. Representatives from the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, American Peanut Shellers Association and Georgia Farm Bureau have committed to donating more than $20,000 in peanut butter to Georgia’s Food Banks.

Bill Bolling, president of the Georgia Association of Food Banks, member of Feeding America, feels “the Peanut Proud & Feeding Georgia Program is a win-win-win for all involved. Individuals and organizations have the opportunity to support one of Georgia’s major agricultural industries while providing nutrient dense food to those in need. We hope to see this become an annual event.”

The Georgia peanut industry is united to help feed the 1.29 million persons in poverty in Georgia. Through this unique effort an individual, organizations or businesses can also contribute to the cause and help feed needy Georgians with a healthy snack packed full of protein – peanut butter. The peanut industry encourages you to consider donating a case of peanut butter or even a pallet. A case of 12 jars of peanut butter costs $10; a half pallet - 500 jars - costs $400 and a pallet - 1,000 jars - costs $800.

“On behalf of Georgia’s 4,500 peanut farmers, the Georgia Peanut Commission is proud to donate peanut butter to the Georgia Association of Food Banks,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Peanut butter is a cost effective way for individuals to receive nutrients such as protein they need in their diets to stay healthy.”

“Buying points across the nation are proud to be a part of this industry promotion,” says John Gray, president of the National Peanut Buying Points Association. “We have some extra peanuts market ready and this will help lots of people during these economic tough times.”

“ The American Peanut Shellers Association is delighted to support this industry effort and to help feed the hungry in Georgia a nutritious and tasty product – peanut butter,” says Joe Campbell, president of APSA.

“ Georgia Farm Bureau is proud to partner with the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association and American Peanut Shellers Association on this project to help Georgians in need by providing them with a healthy, nutritious food product that’s grown and produced here in Georgia,” says Zippy Duvall, Georgia Farm Bureau president. “Donating peanut butter made from Georgia grown peanuts that are processed by a company located in Georgia not only helps those in need, but also helps Georgia’s peanut farmers who are currently facing a tough market and supports Georgia jobs, which is important in this tough economy.”

Jane Hayden, new product sourcing representative for Feeding America is enthusiastic about the program. “What is being done in Georgia is ground-breaking; this program should inspire other states to promote the production of their commodity products for Feeding America food banks.”

Tara Foods, located in Albany, Ga., will use Georgia grown peanuts to make the peanut butter that will be donated through the program. Individuals, organizations or businesses can also contribute to the cause and help the Georgia Association of Food Banks and Georgia’s peanut industry. A donation form is available online at www.gapeanuts.com and www.peanut-shellers.org for those interested in participating. Donations will benefit the Georgia Association of Food Banks and will be distributed to food banks across the state.