HUNTINGTON, W.Va. — Facing Hunger Foodbank is teaming up with iHeartMedia Communities and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce for the third consecutive year to host the annual peanut butter drive.

The goal of the drive is to address the critical issue of hunger in the community by collecting donations of peanut butter, a food packed with protein and essential vitamins.

Cyndi Kirkhart, executive director of the food bank, said high-protein foods are often times difficult for low-income families to access. She said peanut butter is an inexpensive option that allows families to maximize their budget while getting the most nutrient dense foods they can.

Peanut butter donations will be accepted through Dec. 13 at the Facing Hunger Food Bank, iHeartMedia Studios and the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce.

To encourage full participation, KEE100 has sparked a friendly competition among local high schools and will award the school that collects the most peanut butter through Dec. 3, with a school dance hosted by morning show hosts Dave and Jenn. For more information, visit www.kee100.com.

“According to a recent study, one in eight Americans now relies on food banks, and nearly 14 million of them are children,” Jim Davis, KEE100’s program director, said. “Peanut butter is a food bank staple, and the peanut butter drive mobilizes our listeners to help in a very simple way.”

Facing Hunger is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization affiliated with Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger relief charity.

With a network of more than 200 member agencies, the foodbank’s service region spans 17 counties across West Virginia, Kentucky and Ohio.