OKC Students Hold 'OUTTA The Jar' Peanut Butter Drive

Marketing students at Francis Tuttle Technology Center in Oklahoma City, are organizing the “OUTTA the Jar” peanut butter drive to feed hungry kids through summer.

The drive, which partially benefits the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma, began May 11 and runs through May 30.

“OUTTA the Jar is a food drive organized by students to feed other students,” said Natalie Jordan, Francis Tuttle Business Marketing and Management instructor. “We will deliver jars of peanut butter to hungry children in low income schools, housing areas and Regional Food Bank Summer Feed Sites.”

The goal of OUTTA the Jar is to help bridge the summer hunger gap. One in four Oklahoma children struggles with hunger. During the summer, many students who receive free or reduced price meals at school are left wondering where their next meal will come from.

“While most children enjoy summer break, many children in Oklahoma are going home to empty cupboards,” said Rodney Bivens, executive director of the Regional Food Bank. “During the summer, electricity bills are high. Parents, who rely on free or reduced-priced school breakfasts and lunches, also have extra financial stress of providing meals for their children. These donations will benefit our partner agencies to ensure children have enough to eat.”

Francis Tuttle students have placed donation boxes at their schools and at participating Walmart locations.

“I was one of those kids. Fortunately, because of programs like OUTTA the Jar, I received help. But it's hard to enjoy the summer if you are hungry,” Marketing Student Angela Roche said.

To date, the Francis Tuttle students have already collected 300 jars and hope to collect 700 more.

To participate in the drive, drop off an unopened jar of peanut butter (16 oz. is best) to one of the drop off locations listed below. Or, call (405)-717-4915 to request your own collection box.

Drop off locations:

· Any Francis Tuttle Technology Center Campus

· Walmart Supercenter locations: 2000 W Memorial Rd. in Oklahoma City, 2200 W Danforth Rd. in Edmond and 1225 W I-35 Frontage Rd. in Edmond.