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Peanut butter given to ACFB to celebrate National Peanut Month

March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration this week by hosting the 2026 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission (GPC) and Peanut Proud donated 10,000 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank (ACFB).

Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Gov. Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Russ Goodman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.

“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at approximately 50 percent,” GPC Chairman Donald Chase said. “Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”

Sponsors and exhibitors included the GPC, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Kroger, Georgia Farm Bureau, Peanut Proud, ACFB, The Peanut Institute and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.

As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000 was presented to the ACFB, which. provides food and grocery products to more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and North Georgia. According to Kyle Waide, ACFB president & CEO, the need for food assistance is not going away.

“Over the past three years, we have seen a 70% increase in the number of families coming to us for food assistance. We are distributing food in record volumes to 270,000 households each month,” Waide said. “Peanut butter is a protein-rich food that can be a versatile pantry staple for a family or individual in need. We are grateful to the GPC and Peanut Proud for this generous donation that will help serve the 15% of the state’s population and 1 in 5 Georgia children who are food insecure.”

March is also National Nutrition Month - a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.

For additional details and photos from the 2026 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at www.GaPeanuts.com.

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