2012 PRESS RELEASES
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June 18, 2012
VIRGINIA CROP IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION DONATES MUCH-NEEDED PEANUT BUTTER TO VIRGINIA FOOD BANKS
Contact: Elaine J. Lidholm, 804.786.7686
The Virginia Crop Improvement Association in Mechanicsville is supporting Governor McDonnell’s “Governor’s Bowl” Food and Fund Drive by donating more than 1,500 jars of peanut butter to the Federation of Virginia Food Banks. According to Billy Gwaltney, President of the Association, the group is donating a full pallet of 18 ounce jars for a total of 1,536 jars or 27,648 ounces total of protein-rich peanut butter.
The Crop Improvement Association heard about Governor McDonnell’s partnership with the Virginia Chamber of Commerce to provide food to all of Virginia’s regional food banks this summer and decided they had at their disposal the one food that food banks cherish most. Those jars of peanut butter should arrive at the Federation of Virginia Food Banks this week for distribution statewide.
“I am so pleased that the industry of agriculture has stepped up to the plate in a big way to provide much-needed food to our food banks this summer,” said Matthew J. Lohr, Commissioner of the Virginia Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. “The Peanut Growers Association/Peanut Board donated a pallet of peanut butter in May, the Virginia Poultry Federation is delivering 8,500 pounds of turkey to the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank on June 20 and now the Crop Improvement Association is donating another pallet of peanut butter. There are more than a million people in Virginia who must choose between food and paying bills, but thanks to the generosity of our agricultural producers, processors and association, thousands of people will have access to high quality protein products this summer.”
Gwaltney is President of the Association as well as a peanut farmer. Other members of the Association are peanut and grain farmers. “I hope this donation will encourage other agricultural groups, businesses and individuals to contribute to this drive,” Gwaltney said. “It doesn’t matter what people give, as long as they give something. Peanut butter, turkey, chicken, eggs and other protein foods are always in high demand, but our food banks also need fruits and vegetables, breakfast cereal, powdered milk, pasta and even condiments. Many food banks also take fresh products and frozen items.”
The Virginia Crop Improvement Association certifies seed for Virginia farmers and nursery operators and also runs the Foundation Seed Farm in Mount Holly. For more information, click here or contact Tom Hardiman, Seed Certification Program Administrator. For information on the Governor’s Bowl, click here.
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