TIFTON, Georgia– In a remarkable response to the devastation of Haiti from the recent earthquake, the U.S. peanut industry has come together to show their concern and to offer their support in the way they can be most useful – by sending truckloads of peanut butter to the people of Haiti. The peanut industry has donated four truckloads of peanut butter to families in Haiti which is nearly 3 million servings.

The project, Peanut Butter for Haiti, was initiated by Barton Rice, founder of Early County 2055, a Blakely, Ga., non-profit organization, who stepped forward with the first financial pledge to deliver peanut butter to Haiti. The project quickly expanded throughout the peanut industry and the Georgia Peanut Commission contributed $5,000 to the effort on behalf of the state’s peanut farmers.

“We as peanut farmers in the state of Georgia are excited to be taking part of the donation because of the nutritional value of peanuts,” says Armond Morris, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Peanut butter is the perfect food in a situation like this since it does not have to be refrigerated, does not require cooking, and delivers a nutritional punch that is life-sustaining.”

The peanut butter is being delivered to families in Haiti through Operation Blessing, Catholic Relief Services and Food for the Poor. Donations are still being accepted for the Peanut Butter to Haiti project. Anyone interested in donating to this effort can send tax deductible contributions to: Early County 2055 – PB for Haiti, P.O. Box 725, Blakely, GA 39823. Make checks payable to: “Early County 2055” and note “PB for Haiti.” For additional information on the project, visit www.gapeanuts.com.