Peanut Proud was an effort started two years ago when the peanut industry faced the salmonella outbreak that threatened consumer perceptions of healthy peanut butter. When the industry came through the challenge stronger than before, Peanut Proud started looking for a way to give back to the people, and that opportunity came without warning when a string of tornadoes struck the southeast this spring, devastating many communities.

Peanut Proud president LeaJean Manry says the industry stepped up to provide peanut products and other provisions to victims of the storms. “We have delivered over 83,000 jars of peanut butter to seven states, about 1975 backbacks to kids who lost their schools,” LeaJean said. “It’s not how we helped them survive the storm, it’s the love and help we give them that helps them dance in the rain.”

You can hear how passionate LeaJean is about Peanut Proud in this interview.

Tyron Spearman, pictured here with LeaJean at the Southern Peanut Growers Conference, serves on the board of Peanut Proud and has been very active in the effort, delivering to people in tornado-stricken areas. “We’ve had over $87,000 worth of items donated and about $71,000 in cash, so it’s been a tremendous response from the industry to help these people out,” Tyron said. The peanut industry raised another $2000 for the effort during the conference in addition to a check for over $3200 that was presented by the Williston Florida FFA and the Florida Peanut Producers Association. You can send donations to PO Box 446 Blakely, GA 39823.

In this interview, Tyron talks about this effort, as well as the current status of the peanut industry and the crop this year. Tyron is with the National Peanut Buying Points Association and is also the peanut industry reporter for Southeast AgNet.

Take a look at how Peanut Proud has been helping in the YouTube video below.

13th Annual Southern Peanut Growers Conference Photo Album