By Glenn G. Gefers
of www.photosby3g.com
Continuing an annual ritual, Betsy Altshuler, a Land O’ Lakes resident and board member of the American Culinary Federation, stopped recently at the SR 54/Collier Parkway Publix Land O’ Lakes to take advantage of their buy-one-get-one peanut butter sale.
But she wasn’t just looking for a good deal for herself.
She ordered 15 cases of creamy peanut butter — a tall order that will benefit dozens of families in the community. By collecting donations and being frugal, Altshuler was able to purchase 180 jars of peanut butter that will make their way into the cupboards of those in need.
After leaving Publix, Altshuler went to the Suncoast Harvest Food Bank on Ehren Cutoff to donate her trunk full of Jif — plus other items. Her donation totaled 543 pounds.
Elizabeth Fields, executive director of Suncoast, processes many dropoffs each day from people just like Altshuler. The organization will top 3 million pounds in donations this year.
Suncoast has 10 employees and about 10 volunteers, including one 86-year-old who faithfully helps out each week.
From the warehouse, Suncoast distributes to more than 100 shelters, soup kitchens and pantries. For more information about Suncoast, visit www.suncoastharvest.org or call (813) 929-0200.
