The Peanut Butter Challenge is back for its 13th year. University of Florida Extension offices in Charlotte, Sarasota and Manatee counties are accepting donations of sealed jars of peanut butter to benefit both people and animals in their areas.
From Monday, Sept. 29 through Friday, Oct. 31, UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County as well as several other Manatee locations will be collecting unopened jars of peanut butter (any size) to support local food banks and animal shelters in Manatee County.
This annual event is led by UF/IFAS Extension and Florida A&M University (FAMU) Cooperative Extension. In addition to community donations, the Florida Peanut Producers Association (FPPA) and Florida Peanut Federation (FPF) have been longtime partners who help make the challenge a success every year. It started in 2012 in the Florida Panhandle counties and became a statewide challenge in 2020. Now 42 counties participate in the Peanut Butter Challenge and in 2024, 39,898 total pounds of peanut butter was collected.
Peanut butter can be dropped off at Manatee County Animal Welfare, Manatee County Veterans Services Office in Bradenton, each Manatee County Library location, the Manatee County Administration Building and the Utilities Department Administration Building.
Why do they collect peanut butter?
Peanut butter is:
- Shelf-stable and nutrient-dense, with 7g of protein per two tablespoon serving, contains more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals, and is a good source of fiber and healthy fats.
- In high demand at food banks and animal shelters.
- Made from the type of peanuts grown right here in Florida, especially in the Panhandle—where the Peanut Butter Challenge began in 2012.
- Used for enrichment and to help administer medication to dogs at animal shelters.
Florida peanut facts
- Florida ranks third in the U.S. for peanut production.
- Florida’s peanut industry contributed $149 million to the state economy in 2024.
- Florida produced 550 million pounds of peanuts in 2024.
- In Florida, approximately 75% of peanuts produced are made into peanut butter; the other 25% is used for the next year’s seed, snack nuts, peanut candy and peanut oil.
- Peanuts need 120 to 140 frost-free days, which is why they grow so well in the South.
“Peanut butter is not only a pantry staple for families, but also a valuable resource for animal shelters”, said Michael-Chase Strollo, communications coordinator for Manatee County Community and Veterans Services. “It provides enrichment for dogs, helps reduce stress, and is even used to safely deliver medication. This initiative is about more than food; it is about community. Peanut butter nourishes families in need while also providing comfort and care for pets in our shelters. By coming together, we are making a meaningful difference for both people and animals across Manatee County.”
Donations can be dropped off at these participating locations:
- UF/IFAS Extension Manatee County Office
1303 17th St. W. Palmetto, FL 34221
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Manatee County Utilities Department Admin Building
3647 Cortez Rd W., Bradenton, FL 34210.
Open Monday - Friday: 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
- Palmetto Animal Shelter
305 25th St. W. Palmetto, FL 34221
Open Monday - Saturday: 12 p.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: 12 p.m.-4 p.m.
- Bishop Animal Shelter
5718 21st Ave W. Bradenton, FL 34209
Open Monday – Saturday: 10 a.m.-5 p.m., Sunday: 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
- Manatee County Veterans Services Office in Bradenton
1401 3rd Ave W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Open Monday – Friday: 8 a.m.-12 p.m. & 1 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
- County Administration Building Lobby
1112 Manatee Ave W. Bradenton, FL 34205
Open Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
- Braden River Branch Library
4915 53rd Ave East, Bradenton, Florida 34203
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Central Library
1301 Barcarrota Blvd. W, Bradenton, Florida 34205
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED
- Island Branch Library
5701 Marina Drive, Holmes Beach, Florida 34217-1516
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m, Sunday: CLOSED
- Lakewood Ranch Branch Library
16410 Rangeland Parkway, Lakewood Ranch, Florida 34211
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: 1 p.m.-6 p.m.
- Palmetto Branch Library
923 6th Street West, Palmetto, Florida 34221
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED
- Rocky Bluff Branch Library
6750 US 301 North, Ellenton, Florida 34222
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED
- South Manatee Branch Library
6081 26th Street West, Bradenton, Florida 34207
Open Monday - Thursday: 9 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday - Saturday: 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Sunday: CLOSED
- Charlotte County UF/IFAS Extension Office
1120 Centennial Boulevard
Port Charlotte, FL 33953
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m. - Sarasota County UF/IFAS Extension Office
Twin Lakes Park
6600 Clark Road
Sarasota, Florida 34241
Open Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5 p.m.
