Released: March 19, 2026

TIFTON, Ga. – March is National Peanut Month, a time to celebrate one of America’s favorite foods! The Georgia peanut industry kicked off the celebration in March by hosting the 2026 Georgia PB&J Day in Atlanta, Georgia. During the event, the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud donated 10,000 jars of peanut butter to the Atlanta Community Food Bank.

Peanuts and peanut butter were promoted during the event by industry partners serving grilled PB&Js, country-fried peanuts, peanut candy and more. Governor Brian Kemp presented a proclamation recognizing March as National Peanut Month while Sen. Russ Goodman, chairman of the Senate Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee, and Rep. Robert Dickey, chairman of the House Agriculture and Consumer Affairs Committee presented resolutions recognizing the importance of Georgia’s peanut industry.

“Peanuts are Georgia’s official state crop, and the state boasts the largest share of peanut production in the U.S. at approximately 50 percent,” says Donald Chase, chairman of the Georgia Peanut Commission. “Georgia’s 4,000 peanut farmers contribute approximately $2 billion annually to the state and local economy.”

Sponsors and exhibitors included the Georgia Peanut Commission, National Peanut Buying Points Association, Kroger, Georgia Farm Bureau, Peanut Proud, Atlanta Community Food Bank, The Peanut Institute and the University of Georgia Peanut Team.

As part of the celebration, peanut butter valued at $10,000, was presented to the Atlanta Community Food Bank. The Atlanta Community Food Bank provides food and grocery products to more than 700 community-based, nonprofit partners throughout 29 counties in metro Atlanta and north Georgia. According to Kyle Waide, president & CEO of the Atlanta Community Food Bank, the need for food assistance is not going away.

“Over the past three years, we have seen a 70 percent increase in the number of families coming to us for food assistance. We are distributing food in record volumes to 270,000 households each month,” Waide says. “Peanut butter is a protein-rich food that can be a versatile pantry staple for a family or individual in need. We are grateful to the Georgia Peanut Commission and Peanut Proud for this generous donation that will help serve the 15 percent of the state’s population and 1 in 5 Georgia children who are food insecure.”

Coincidentally, March is National Nutrition Month – a great time to recognize the nutritional value of peanuts. One serving of peanuts is a good source of protein, vitamin E, niacin, folate, phosphorus and magnesium. Peanuts are naturally cholesterol-free and low in saturated fat.

For additional details and photos from the 2026 PB&J Day, visit the Georgia Peanut Commission website at GaPeanuts.com.

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