Peanut butter, a longtime favorite food of kids and teens, is one of the most popular items requested at food banks. But as the cost of peanuts rises, so too does the likelihood of no more PB&J sandwiches. Many farmers are dropping peanuts as a crop, turning instead to more profitable corn and cotton. Fewer sources means higher prices, threatening to keep the pantry-friendly protein out of reach of many needy families.

“It’s always the poor who suffer the most when prices are high, unfortunately,” peanut industry spokeswoman Stephanie Grunenfelder told the Associated Press. Peanut butter is a popular item at food banks because it’s a high source of protein, it has a long shelf-life, it doesn’t require refrigeration or cooking and it tastes good.

Kathy Kelly-Long holds one of the dwindling jars of peanut butter at her Columbus, Ohio, food bank. (Photo by KANTELE FRANKO, Associated Press)