The average child will eat 1,500 peanut butter and jelly sandwiches before he/she graduates high school.

That figure comes from the National Peanut Board, but I’m willing to bet my kids will eat more than that. Both take their lunches to school every day, and the peaut butter and jelly sandwich is key. (I’m not a lazy parent. They actually prepfer over other items I’ve put in their lunches.)

We always have peanut butter in the cupboard and jelly in the refrigerator at my house. It’s great for toast in the morning, a quick snack or dinner on those nights you just don’t feel like cooking.

Some families, though, don’t have these staples in their house, which is why the The Crisis Center of Johnson County is asking the public to help “Spread the Love” this month by donating peanut butter and jelly to the Food Bank.

Why peanut butter? According to the Crisis Center, protein products are some of the hardest for the Food Bank to stock. Fresh and frozen meat are expensive to purchase and rarely donated.

Canned meat products are great, but they provide only one meal. A single jar of peanut butter, on the other hand, provides multiple meals and can really help a family get through the week.

Jelly is another item only available when it’s donated.

Want to help? It’s easy.

Simply drop off a jar or two or plan a peanut butter and jelly during the month of February. US Bank locations in Iowa City will serve as an alternative drop-off site. Individuals, schools, organizations and businesses are also encouraged to host a food collection. You can also visit the center’s Website to make a cash donation, which will be used to purchase peanut butter slightly cheaper than retail prices.

Please note that items must be store-bought and unopened; home-made jellies and jams cannot be accepted. Donors are asked to avoid glass containers and to provide a jar count with their donation.