'H2O-PBJ Project' Begins!

It’s pretty hard to make peanut butter and jelly flashy and exciting, but most of us can conjure up a fond memory or two of PB&J sandwiches from when we were kids. Today, PB&J is still alive and well - almost a classic American delicacy! What you may not know is that PB&J has become a mainstay staple offered by food pantries to help fend off hunger for families in need.

Here in Gwinnett County, Duluth Cooperative Ministry supplies approximately 100 jars each of PB&J to local families in need each month. Per Mary Roberts, Director of the Cooperative, “We can use as much peanut butter and jelly as we can get; these items tide families over in crisis situations.”

Earlier this year Gwinnett Neighborhood Leadership Institute (GNLI) Basic Needs Team rolled out the “H2O Project” (Help To Others) to supply needed water to local food pantries. In January, the Team successfully distributed over 150 cases of water to several Gwinnett County locations. However the Team quickly recognized the even greater need for PB&J, and the “H2O Project” quickly evolved into the “H2O-PB&J Project.”

Expected participants for the “H2O-PB&J Project” are community minded businesses, charitable organizations and local municipalities willing to supply water and PB&J, while Positive Public Image, Inc. (yours truly!) will supply the needed promotional and publicity support for project sustainability. Initial recipient for the donated items is the Duluth Cooperative Ministry; and as the project grows, other local food pantries will also be included.  

This week marked the official “H2O-PB&J Project” rollout, and what better time than the eve of National Peanut Butter Day! With Bill a member of the GNLI Team, we presented the “H2O-PB&J Project” to fellow members of Duluth Business Association Tuesday evening, and  collected the PB&J we requested in advance members bring to the meeting. Mary Roberts of the Duluth Cooperative was on hand to receive the donations. 

The meeting was hosted by the City of Duluth, and we were happy to find that our project rollout was aligning with efforts by City of Duluth and Mayor Nancy Harris to collect and donate PB&J to Duluth Cooperative Ministry on National Peanut Butter Day.  

We (PPI) stepped up and pledged to the Duluth Cooperative Ministry to provide 5 cases of water, 20 jars of peanut butter and 20 jars of jelly each quarter for the next year. We are busy encouraging other local businesses and organizations to join us at each quarterly delivery and match our contribution. We will be on hand each time to provide promotional support and recognize the businesses and organizations for their contributions.  

First delivery is scheduled for Friday April 25th from 10:30 AM to 11:00 AM at the Duluth Cooperative Ministry, 3395 Fox St. Building 101, Duluth, GA. 30096. Any organization wishing to participate and be recognized for their contribution to this community focused project, please come with H2O and PB&J in hand! Cameras roll @ 10:45 AM! We look forward to seeing you there!  Positively speaking, singing and dancing, Sheri & Bill Eppright, Positive Public Image, Inc.    

As photojournalists, Sheri and Bill of Positive Public Image, Inc. publish engaging articles, and colorful images, that champion Healthy Aging and Active Positive Lifestyles. As musicians and entertainers (and part of their Active Positive Lifestyle), Sheri and Bill share their love of music and dance with folks of all ages. Call 678-672-7310, or contact us by email: Contact Us!