Hunger Task Force asking for peanut butter donations

MILWAUKEE (WITI) -- It's a household staple packed with protein, but it's the one thing a local food bank desperately needs.

The Hunger Task Force is asking for peanut butter.  It says the supply is so low, that the organization is now reaching out to the public for donations.

“We're hoping through the course of the year we're able to raise 100,000 jars of peanut butter,” said director Sherrie Tussler.

100,000 jars fill about three semi truckloads full of peanut butter.  In terms of money, that would've cost about $150,000.  It’s supply that the government can no longer afford to give.

“Peanut butter pricing has really increased dramatically.  It's almost doubled over the last 2 years.  First there was a blight with the peanuts themselves, and later there was the famous recall that the government did that closed a huge peanut butter production facility.  That is where the peanut butter would come from the government,” said Tussler.

Employees have started a yearlong campaign for the healthy and nutritious staple.  They're posting "WANTED" flyers and keeping a running tally on the electronic sign along the freeway.

After four days, they've already collected 553.  But there's still a long way to go.

“We’re asking volunteers to bring us just one jar of peanut butter,” said Tussler.

Tussler says one jar can go a long way to feeding many people in need.

“Peanut butter is breakfast, lunch and supper.  You can just open the jar, eat it and it's ready to go,” she said.

The Hunger Task Force says some schools are holding peanut butter food drives to help. 

If you'd like to help, you can drop jars off at the Hunger Task Force at 201 S. Hawley Court, between Miller Park and Wisconsin State Fair.

You can host your own drive or donate money online.