Interfaith Community Services (ICS) launched its ninth annual Peanut Butter Party food drive on July 1. The campaign encourages Tucsonans to donate peanut butter throughout the month.
ICS set a goal to collect over 10,000 jars by the time the drive wraps on August 1. Each jar will support a household in need, ensuring children and families have access to nutritious food during the summer.
Community Involvement Encouraged
Individuals, families, neighborhoods, clubs, and businesses are all invited to host their own “Peanut Butter Party.” Participants collect peanut butter and deliver it to ICS, making it an easy and engaging way to give back.
“Food drives like the Peanut Butter Party are essential for our food banks,” said Joshua Hennings, ICS Food Distribution Manager. “Food distribution is expanding. In May, we added two new sites for our Mobile Food Bank, and donations from the community make it possible to continue adding new areas that previously had no food bank access.”
This seasonal effort also offers families a way to teach kids the importance of service and community care.
Why Peanut Butter Matters
Peanut butter is a staple at ICS food banks. Every household receives at least one jar. It’s packed with protein, doesn’t require refrigeration, and appeals to all ages — especially kids. The shelf-stable item also supports people experiencing housing insecurity or limited access to kitchens.
ICS saw rising need this summer. In May, the nonprofit added two Mobile Food Bank sites to expand reach in underserved areas.
Where and How to Donate
Donations are accepted at two ICS locations:
Northwest Food Bank
2820 W. Ina Rd
Mon, Wed: 8 a.m.–4 p.m.
Tue, Thu: 8 a.m.–6:30 p.m.
Fri, Sat: 8–11 a.m.
Eastside Food Drop-Off
8701 E. Old Spanish Trail
Mon–Fri: 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
You can also support the drive without leaving home. Amazon shoppers may send peanut butter directly to ICS through the ICS Amazon Wish List. Select “Front Office Coordinator’s Gift Registry Address,” or ship to:
ICS Northwest Office, 2820 W. Ina Rd, Tucson, AZ 85741.
For more information, visit icstucson.org/peanutbutter.
Article written by:
Jackie Tran
More about JackieJackie Tran is a Tucson-based food writer, photographer, culinary educator, and owner-chef of the now-closed food truck Tran’s Fats. Although he is best known locally for his work for Tucson Foodie, his work has also appeared in publications such as Bon Appétit, National Geographic, and the New York Times.
An adventurous foodie, he enjoys culinary experiences ranging from seasonal omakase to sloppily devouring green chili patty melts in his car afterhours. His favorite foods include aguachile, garlic noodles, and leftover fried chicken illuminated by the fridge light. His favorite drinks include morning micheladas, fireside imperial stouts, candle-lit negroni, and grassy mezcales.
Outside of food, he also loves playing musical instruments, karaoke, Tetris, Super Smash Bros. Melee, and petting Addie’s dog Spaghetti.
If you’d like to stalk him, visit his Instagram @jackie_tran_ or jackietran.com.
