Portsmouth, Smithfield, Newport News and Hampton sign on for regional PB&J challenge

Officials from Portsmouth, Smithfield, Newport News and Hampton each spoke at the kickoff to pledge participation in the regional PB&J drive. JD, speaking for Portsmouth, urged attendees to "pick up a couple jars" when shopping; Tammy Clary of Smithfield said her town has set up a drop‑off box at the Isle of Wight County Museum next to the "world's oldest peanut." Aggie Hollingsworth of Newport News and Reyna of Hampton also pledged their cities' involvement and friendly competition for the October presentation.

Organizers framed the competition as lighthearted but purposeful: municipalities will collect jars through September and convene for a closeout event at the winning food bank. Specific rules for counting or recording donations were not detailed at the kickoff; municipalities and food banks said they will share logistical instructions through their own channels.