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Help Us Spread the Love!

Posted by Rae Pagliarulo on January 31st, 2012

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When I was a kid, there was very little a PB&J sandwich couldn’t fix. Bad day at school, kids teasing, a low grade on my spelling test – some creamy PB and strawberry J (never grape!) on untoasted white bread was my emotional cure-all, and my mom used it wisely.

Here at Philabundance, we really love PB&J, too, but for different reasons.  So many children in the Delaware Valley are struggling with hunger and malnutrition, so being able to provide them with a simple, healthy snack like protein-rich peanut butter and sweet jelly is extremely important. However, it’s not as easy as you might think. Over the past year, the price of peanut butter has risen 30%, which means that stores are less likely to donate it to us, and it’s that much more difficult for us to purchase.

Spread the Love is a great way to help us feed as many children as we can. There are plenty of ways to help! For every new “like” Philabundance gets on Facebook between February 1st and February 14th, ShopRite will donate a jar of peanut butter or jelly to us.  You can also donate peanut butter and jelly at one of our locations, or donate via our-website and we’ll use the money to buy it ourselves.

Nowadays, every time I have a bad day at work and I reach for the peanut butter and honey (my newest obsession), I remember how important this little sandwich could be to a kid who had to skip breakfast or lunch. A jar or two can make such a big difference, so get involved!

We want to hear from you, too! What’s your favorite PB&J concoction? Each comment below will automatically enter you for a chance to win a $500 US Airways travel voucher or 7 night stay in the Caribbean compliments of Elite Island Resort!

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Rae Pagliarulo
Rae Pagliarulo , Development Coordinator, spends her days greasing the wheels of progress for Philabundance’s Development department. When she isn’t juggling multiple schedules or helping to manage Philabundance’s massive database of generous donors, she can be found knitting, baking, cooking, and generally honing her prowess of the domestic arts. Move over, Donna Reed!
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  • Clair

    What a great idea! I’ll be sure to donate.

  • Donna Barkley

    I too love pb&j, especially with potato chips ( I like the salt/sweet) and it absolutely has to be strawberry preserves/jam/jelly(no grape ever!!!) on whole wheat/whole grain bread, sometimes toasted. It has lots of protein and even tho the prices have risen on pb, it is still a great nutrious treat(even for dinner).

  • Karl Stout

    PB&J Banana Split Treat
    (this is so incredible, you have to try it to believe it!)

    1) Slice 1 banana in half lengthwise.
    2) Spread peanut butter on the banana.
    3) Spread jelly on the peanut butter.
    4) Top with whipped cream.
    5) Connect to Facebook and “like” Philabundance to take advantage of Shoprite’s generous offer to donate a jar of peanut butter or jelly for each new ‘like’ .
    6) Add a cherry to the banana split.
    7) Taste and enjoy.
    8) Smile, remembering that your Facebook ‘like’ of Philabundance may help somebody else enjoy this treat.

  • Kat

    Peanut butter and jelly is one of those things you should always have in the house even if you yourself don’t like it (not a huge fan of PB&J myself anymore, but my daughter loves it), because most people will say “yes” to a PB&J sandwich at any time of the day (especially notoriously picky eaters, like kids). Our newest PB creations in this house are PB & Nutella or Jelly & Cream Cheese. And my husband and daughter just eat peanut butter by the spoonful right out of the jar. (I mostly use peanut butter in my Chocolate Peanut Butter Pie, which is a takeoff of one I had at a restaurant years ago.) Peanut butter is a great pantry item to donate to food drives because it is often overlooked or considered too costly but has a lot of protein, fat, and calories for people who may not have much or anything to eat and need those fats and protein to have energy. I’ll be happy to share the Philabundance post on Facebook so you can get new “likes” and have some PB&J donated for kids who need it. They deserve the comfort of a PB&J that can help smooth over a bad day or bring a smile to their faces.

  • Laura

    I did a quick skim of your website but didn’t see needed items listed anywhere. Do you maintain an electronic list of items currently in high-demand (like peanut butter)? Thanks, and keep up the good work!

  • Robin Witherspoon

    Great article! I will help “spread the love” as much as I can :-)

  • Antonette

    What a great idea! I am proud to contribute to philabundance!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406329521 Ayka

      Your question made me do some raeraesch. We were told to wait until after she was 1yo, but only for a choking hazard reason. My 3yo was 18m when she first had peanut butter (for other health reasons). My 15mo has had peanut butter already, no problems. Her doctor said it was fine.However, I will give you these two sites I found that say they shouldn’t have it until they’re three years old because of a risk of allergy. -The 2nd one actually says that the American Academy of Pediatrics is the one that recommends the older age range.Good luck!

  • Rose Means

    Happy to help support these efforts Rae!

  • Debby Schultz

    My favorite is peanut butter and orange marmalade with an occasional addition of a banana. Ants on a log (celery spread with peanut butter and topped with raisins) is even better!

  • meredith rumer

    oh my goodness, i loooooove chunky peanut butter (the chunkier the better) and good old grape jelly on white bread! i know, i know, wheat is better, buuuuut i can’t help it! lol

  • Amanda R.

    Peanut Butter and Strawberry Jam on cinnamon raisin bread…definitely my favorite. PB and J is a god send, especially during my college days…and even now.

  • http://opendoorministry.info Laurie Faust

    Thank you so very much for making people aware of the importance of something as simple as a peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Being in the field with the people that receive food from a food pantry, I can see how much they want PB&J. Our homeless need it even more so. The protein value and shelf life make it a real staple in their diet. Thanks again for running this and lets all help spread that love.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406324697 Raquel

      Just be careful, when my son was 2 yrs old, I gave him raiinss that were from a trail mix, his face blew up a scary amount! I found out about his nut allergy that day. He has had a couple of severe reactions since then (he is 4 now), yet he has never had peanuts or peanut butter. It was strictly from his food somehow touching the nuts- or someone touching the nuts and then touching his food.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406518780 Pallavi

        I would try 1 y/o. But on a small cracker. Spread the Peanut-butter aounrd the cracker but make sure that it is a small amount. See if he has any reactions to it and if he likes it. If he has no reactions and he likes it give him a half of a PB and J sandwitch. I hope this helps! Good Luck!P.S. sorry I didn’t see abc’s answer ..Sorry! I didn’t mean to copy..

  • Alex Meyer

    Peanut butter and honey is so good! Love this idea. Peanut butter is definitely one of the best ways to get protein to kids. Way to be proactive and effective!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406352186 Bharat

      When my 4 year old was born, I was told 1 year old for peanut butetr. Now it seems like 2 is the general consensus. It’s because of the rise in peanut allergies. There are certain indicators that a child may be at risk: asthma, other allergies, eczema, or a relative with any of those.I followed the one year rule with both of my kids. My first had no problems and my second (who has eczema) broke out in hives.

  • Lana

    cupcakes with jelly filling and homemade peanut butter buttercream frosting. so good!

  • Gareth

    We did not have peanut butter when I was growing up in Wales, so I never got into eating it. My children love it though!

  • Crystal

    Peanut butter and banana panini (sourdough brushed with EVOO) with a little grape Jelly on the side for dipping … Yum! Thank you, Philabundance, for all you do!

  • Laura Pise

    It’s actually peanut butter and Nutella in a graham cracker “sandwich” I call it an Italian S’more :)

  • Tim Nelson

    PB & J Pancakes!!!

    Ingredients

    * 1 cup all-purpose flour
    * 1 tablespoon baking powder
    * 1/2 teaspoon salt
    * 2 tablespoons sugar
    * 1 egg
    * 1 cup plus 2 tablespoons milk, plus extra if needed to thin
    * 1/2 cup creamy peanut butter, melted
    * 2 tablespoons oil
    * 4 tablespoons butter
    * Blackberry Syrup, recipe follows

    Directions

    Preheat a griddle. In a large bowl, whisk together dry ingredients. Slowly mix in egg, milk, peanut butter and oil until combined. Add a little extra milk if batter feels too thick. Let mixture sit 5 minutes. Melt 1 tablespoon butter on griddle and move around to coat entire griddle. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter per pancake on griddle to form 5-inch pancakes. The batter spreads as it cooks. Fill griddle without crowding pancakes. Flip when air pockets start to pop on the top and a quick peak on the underside reveals a golden pancake. Repeat with remaining butter and batter. Serve pancakes with Blackberry Syrup.
    Blackberry Syrup:

    * 2 pints fresh blackberries
    * 3/4 cup sugar
    * 1 cup water
    * 1 lemon, zested

    In a saucepan over medium heat, combine all ingredients and bring to a boil, stirring until sugar is dissolved. Lower heat to a simmer and cook until liquid is reduced to a syrupy consistency, about 10 minutes. Use a wooden spoon to break up blackberries as they cook. Strain syrup to remove seeds and serve warm.

    Yield: 1 cup

    Prep Time: 5 minutes

    Cook Time: 15 minutes

    Note: This in not my recipe!! Just one i really enjoy and wanted to share :)

  • Julie Allmayer

    I used to eat peanut butter and jelly on challah bread as a kid (sometimes replacing the peanut butter with butter and cream cheese). Yum!

  • http://wombtoworldwellness.com Xandra O’Neill

    Our favorite of the moment in our household is nut butter and banana! The banana delivers a healthy dose of sweet and is so delicious! Sometimes if we don’t have bread we’ll just spread it on an apple – yum!

    I love how such simple actions, like donating peanut butter and jelly can make a huge difference in the lives of others!

    Philabundance, thanks for all you do!

    Peace, Love, and Wellness,
    Xandra

  • Dara

    My favorite combo is peanut butter with nutella and banana. I’m also a fan of peanut butter and strawberry jam. YUM!

  • http://www.benthropology.com Ben Bean

    Peanut butter, Polaner All Fruit, and honey on an English muffin.

  • Morgan

    Good old fashioned grape jelly and creamy PB.

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406328287 Marion

      I gave my daughter peaunt butter at 1 yr old i felt like my daughter could handle it i gave her a pb j sandwich i cut it into little bites and gave her a big cup of milk to go with it. she was fine. my doctor told me 3 years old for crackers any types of foods other than fingers foods(my daughter would grab stuff off my plate or pulle my hands towards her and take bites off my sandwich,burger)

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406526659 Bhanwarlal

        I have one that’s 22 months and a 6 year old. They both were able to have penuat butter at 1 year. My 6 year old did have a strange allergy to cheetos, but by the time she was about 5, she grew out of it. My 22 month old, as far as we know, doesn’t have any food allergies.His favorite lunch is a penuat butter and jelly sandwich.

  • chelsey

    My favorite PB&J concoction is: Jif creamy with Smuckers raspberry jelly on toasted white break to melt it all together

  • http://the1to1group.com Heather Darling

    Peanut butter and Banana French Toast!

    Two slices of two-day old bread 
(not necessary if you just bought the loaf the day you make this, I don’t want you to miss out because the bread is fresh.)

    Make a sandwich of peanut butter and banana

    Egg mixture:
    One whole egg whisked together
    
2 Tbls juice from fresh orange or ready-made OJ

    Pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
    
Pinch of cinnamon
    
Pinch of cayenne

    Whisk egg mixture together. Dip both sides of sandwich in egg mixture.
    Place sandwich in a heated iron skillet or non-stick that has had a small pat of butter melted. Allow to brown for 60 seconds or slightly longer on each side.

    For the garnish:
    Pour syrup and sprinkle powdered sugar.
    This is for one serving so multiply the eggs per person

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406320044 Inversiones

      I started about 15- 18 motnhs. letting them lick it off a spoon. Both my kids love it, make sure they have a glass of milk to drink, it dries out the mouth. But if your dr said 2 id talk to him about it.,My children got things earlier then I would have started them, My gram kept them on Saturdays when I was on call. My aunt was there too . They fed both of my kids off the table. Like mashed potatoes ect. No wonder my kids hated jar baby food. But it didnt hurt then, and they are not over weight.

  • Melissa Crawford

    I agree it has to be strawberry jelly, grape just isn’t the same. Peanut Butter and Jelly is my go to lunch, snack, and my “I’m just hungry because I am bored food”. Mine is always wheat bread with no seeds on it, CRUNCHY Natural Peanut Butter and my favorite strawberry jelly that comes in the squeezable container! PB&J yummy!

  • Kaitlin

    My favorite PB & J concoction would, hands down, have to be toasted white bread with crunchy PB and grape J with a glass of crystal light ice tea. I had it once when I got sick as a kid and never forgot it….SPREAD THE LOVE<3

  • Louise Speers

    My favorite peanut butter sandwich is peanut butter and banana! The banana has to be “just ripe”….not too green….a few black marks on the skin….but not too many! Then, I spread the peanut butter on one slice of the bread. I cut a banana in half and take off the peel. I cut the banana in lengthwise strips and place the strips on top of the peanut butter side-by-side. Sometimes, I cut the peanut butter in 1/4 inch round slices and place them on top of the peanut butter in rows. I place the second piece of bread on top to finish it off. I like to cut the sandwich into 4 quarters and eat them one by one. This way, I get to enjoy each piece bit by bit. Enjoy! Bravo to everyone at Philabundance for all of the excellent work you do!

  • Steve Seyler

    The philosophical dilemma of PBJ’s is whether to seal the bread with the peanut butter and sandwich the jelly, or to spread the jelly on the bread so it permeates the substrate and the peanut butter is a in the middle. When I pack for the road, I always go with the the PB seal. But for immediate gratification, I always chose the jelly saturation. My current obsession is Ezekiel sprouted grain bread, lightly toasted, with Black Cherry Fruit Preserves and a light smear of unsalted, unsweetened peanut butter. A truly bourgeois indiscretion, but well worth every bite.

  • colette

    Peanut butter and grape jelly is our household staple. But as a special treat my mom used to make us peanut butter and bacon sandwiches on toast. And my husband’s partial to fluffernutters!! It’s a great food – thanks for providing it to people in our area in need!

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406333947 Melissa

      dotors say not to give PB to them till they are at least a year old and also no honey till at least two. every doctor i have takeld to says the same to me.Plus i am on wic it is a program where they give you checks for food like milk, cheese, cereal, farmula, jucie, PB, eggs and so on. this program aslo gives them regular check ups for iron and such but they have also recomended the same age frame for those foods.

  • http://www.facebook.com/philalliance Alyssa

    My favorite comfort food was always peanut butter and fluff on toasted white bread as I was growing up. As I get older, I usually go a little healthier with PB & J on wheat, but every now and again I still treat myself to a PB & Fluff :)

  • Amy L.

    This is a great article! So many of our children are starving… go to school hungry. I know that some schools have breakfast programs but some can not make it on time… others are too ashamed… Spread the love!! I added a new “like”. Keep up the great work!

    Favorite peanut butter idea is peanut butter with chocolate… original… I know.. :)

    • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406344038 Leonardo

      They normally don’t allow puaent butter until the age of 2 because of the choking hazard. Creamy puaent butter on fresh bread can stick to the roof of the mouth or get caught in the throat. It is nearly impossible to break loose from the throat once it is stuck because it isn’t like a piece of food that can get stuck.I started using extra chunky puaent butter on toast when mine were about 18 months old. I only put a very thin layer and we never had a problem.

      • http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100003406515296 Riko

        My brother and I were alyaws very creative with our snacks growing up. From gross to great, we made it all with crackers or toast… it’s fun to be creative and I suppose it was the only time we were allowed to have fun with our food. hehe :) Nice post, Pam(:

  • http://Philabundance Mary

    Spread the Love – great idea! Easy to participate. My favorite pb&j is pb&blueberry jam.