Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Bobby Portis Jr. Tip-Off the 2023 PB&J Challenge

Published On: January 19th, 2023Categories: News Releases

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin and Bobby Portis Jr. Tip-Off the 2023 PB&J Challenge

The Milwaukee basketball star is championing the cause to provide PB&J for kids statewide.

MILWAUKEE, WI – Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has teamed up with Milwaukee basketball star Bobby Portis Jr. for the 2023 PB&J Challenge. The goal is to provide children with the fuel they need to achieve maximum potential in the classroom and on the playground.

Why peanut butter and jelly sandwiches? Peanut Butter is one of the most requested food items at shelters and pantries. This shelf-stable protein provides necessary nutrients for children and is great in a meal or snack. Knowing that nearly 20% of Wisconsin’s kids are food insecure, donations of Peanut Butter can help kids with the food and fuel they need for successful days in class and at play.

“It’s all about giving back and spreading your blessings with others,” Bobby Portis Jr. said. “I come from humble beginnings. We never did it on our own, we always had help along the way. That little ounce of help can take someone a long way. Being able to have this platform and spread my blessings with others has always been a calling of mine.”

To officially tip-off the fundraising campaign, Portis is privately hosting a group of school children for an evening of bowling at his favorite local bowling alley.

1-in-4 kids in the City of Milwaukee don’t know where their next meal is coming from. Overall, nearly 20% of children in our state are food insecure.

“Bobby has been incredible to work with,” said Patti Habeck, President and CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. “His genuine desire to support and give back to the community is second to none. He has already helped us make a huge difference, and we look forward to watching the PB&J Challenge reach new heights.”

The PB&J Challenge is sponsored by Hydrite and further supported by Cousins Subs, Drake and Associates, Hupy and Abraham, Potawatomi Casino and Hotel and Pick ‘N Save.

“Hydrite has a long history of supporting the communities in which we operate through charitable giving,” said Erin Egstad, Recruiting Manager. “We’re proud to continue our partnership with Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, supporting the PB&J Challenge. This opportunity allows us to give back and positively impact the children in Wisconsin.”

 

About Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin:

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is the leading local hunger relief organization in the state. Founded in 1982 by the Rotary Club of Milwaukee, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin is a local and independent member of the Feeding America network. Driven by our mission to solve hunger and our vision of a hunger-free Wisconsin, we are bringing more people together around the table to collaboratively address the root causes of hunger. Together with our network of nearly 400 partner pantries and meal sites, we serve nearly 500,000 people across 35 counties in eastern Wisconsin each year.