Longview Wins East Texas Peanut Butter Drive, Donates 6,452 Pounds

The City of Longview won the 2025 Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive, a friendly competition against Tyler to collect peanut butter for the East Texas Food Bank. Longview residents donated 6,452 pounds of peanut butter, nearly three times Tyler's 2,259 pounds, with the combined total reaching 8,711 pounds and $17,277 raised in donations. The drive, held during Hunger Action Month in September, aims to fight food insecurity in East Texas, where 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 4 children face hunger. Community members contributed by purchasing jars of peanut butter online or at local stores, with drop-off locations throughout both cities. East Texas Food Bank CEO David Emerson emphasized that every jar donated represents a family receiving nutritious, protein-rich food, highlighting the drive's impact beyond the competition. The event also showcased the community spirit of Longview, as noted by Mayor Kristen Ishihara, who credited local businesses and residents for their support and generosity.