The Food Bank of Northeast Louisiana held their fifth annual Spread the Love Peanut Butter Drive from Feb. 1 to March 31.

According to the food bank’s website, more than 66,000 people in Northeast Louisiana struggle to put food on the table for their families, and peanut butter is a much-needed item at food banks because it’s packed with protein and enjoyed by kids and adults alike.

Four sororities at ULM decided to help out with the drive this year. Kappa Delta, Alpha Omicron Pi, Kappa Beta Gamma and Phi Mu collectively raised about 360 pounds of peanut butter.

Allie Hamby and Kristin Finley, both members of Kappa Delta, were excited for their chapter to participate this year.

“Not only are we giving back to our own community, but we are helping those who are in need,” Hamby said. “It makes it better know- ing that it is a local drive so we know where the peanut butter is actually going.”

Shelby Whitney, a member of Kappa Beta Gamma, said her chapter hopes to do it again next year. She said she encouraged all her sorority sisters to bring at least three jars and they went above and beyond, with one member bringing 10 jars.

“The peanut butter goes to the food bank, and they sometimes make weekend boxes of snacks for kids or elderly that are in need,” Whitney said.