Laredo Medical Center Launches Annual Peanut Butter Drive with Ambitious 10,000-Jar Goal

3/13/2026

With stacks of peanut butter jars serving as a symbol of community generosity, Laredo Medical Center has officially launched its fourth annual Jars of Love Peanut Butter Drive, setting an ambitious goal of collecting 10,000 jars to support the South Texas Food Bank.

Last year, hospital employees and community members spread the love by donating 7,077 jars. This year’s expanded goal reflects both the growing need in the community and the hospital’s commitment to addressing food insecurity.

The campaign is off to a strong start, driven by the enthusiasm and generosity of students at Antonio Gonzalez Middle School, who organized their own collection effort and presented 500 jars at the launch event. About 60 students, including cheerleaders, and other student clubs, were on hand for a pep-rally-style celebration. This is their second year donating.

Past peanut butter donors were also present, including first responders from the City of Laredo Fire Department’s EMS and Fire training divisions, Trashco Inc. and Laredo Heat Soccer Club. This year, Trashco has donated 400 jars and Laredo Heat 100 jars.

“Our hospital exists to improve the health of our community, and that responsibility extends far beyond the clinical care delivered inside our walls,” said Laredo Medical Center CEO Jorge Leal, FACHE. “Health is shaped by access to basic needs, including reliable nutrition. By setting a goal of 10,000 jars, we are challenging ourselves and our community to step up in a meaningful way.”

Peanut butter is a sought after item for food banks because of its high nutritional value and long shelf life. Yet, it is one of the least donated items.

“Peanut butter is a staple item for the families we serve,” said Alma Boubel, CEO of the South Texas Food Bank. “It provides critical nutrition and stretches across multiple meals. Community drives like this make a measurable difference for thousands of local and area households.”

Students, teachers and staff at Gonzalez Middle School embraced the opportunity to lead by example, organizing donations among the classmates, student groups, and their families to support the drive.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for recognizing a need and taking action,” said Araceli Garza, Principal of Antonio Gonzalez Middle School. “This effort shows that even small acts, when multiplied across a community, can create significant impact.”

The peanut butter drive will run through March 24, with donation collection sites at:

• Laredo Medical Center McAuley Cafeteria, 1700 E. Saunders, Main Entrance
• Laredo Medical Center North, 7210 McPherson
• Pizza Box, 201 W. Del Mar Boulevard, Suite 1D
• Zapata Family Medical Clinic, 801 US-83, Zapata, Texas
• Zapata High School, 2009 TX-16, Zapata, Texas

“We encourage community members to participate and help Laredo Medical Center reach its 10,000-jar goal,” said Leal.

Schools, businesses and members of the community are invited to support the drive by helping Laredo Medical Center collect as much peanut butter, or other nutritious butters like almond butter or sunflower seed butter. Plastic jar donations will only be accepted.

The South Texas Food Bank is also making it convenient to support the peanut butter drive via an online donation form at www.southtexasfoodbank.org/jars-of-love.

Additionally, students can earn community service hours for their donations. For more information, call the LMC food and nutrition director at (956) 796-4182.

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