Merit Health Hosts Fourth Annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive to Fight Hunger in Central Mississippi

4/20/2026

FLOWOOD, MS – Merit Health recently wrapped up its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, benefitting the local Food Network. Held in celebration of National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day on April 2, the initiative brought together local businesses, organizations and community members to help combat hunger in Central Mississippi.

Merit Health was joined in the effort by Pafford and AMR Emergency Medical Services, AccentCare Home Health, Hinds Community College Nursing and Allied Health, Holmes Community College Nursing, the Mississippi College Athletic Department, Story Financial Partners, Zeta Phi Beta Inc. Omega Sigma Zeta Chapter of Carthage and OSZ Youth Auxiliaries, Leading Ladies of Mississippi, Centerwell Home Health, Heart of Hospice, Gentiva and Traditions Hospice, along with support from Chamber of Commerce partners including Flowood, Pearl, Rankin, Clinton and the Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership.

“We’re incredibly thankful for the continued support of our community partners who joined us in this effort to fight hunger across our state,” said Dr. Greg Oden, Merit Health chief medical officer. “Because of the generosity shown by our partners, employees, medical staff and board members, we were able to make a meaningful difference. We’re proud to support the Food Network’s vital work to address food insecurity in Mississippi and to help ensure families in our community have access to the resources they need.”

“Merit Health's Fourth Annual Jars of Love Food Drive will provide 18,404 meals to neighbors across the state.” says Stacey Thompson, Mississippi Food Network development director. “This food drive has become a cornerstone of community support, and we are deeply grateful for Merit Health's continued generosity and dedication to those in need in Mississippi.”

For more information on how to support the Mississippi Food Network, or to sign up as a volunteer, visit their website at www.msfoodnet.org.

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