How Do Peanut Butter & Battle Creek Go Together?
Let's be honest. What doesn't go with peanut butter? But to be fair, let's look at how the mix of Battle Creek and peanut butter came about. The year was 1895 and the Western Health Reform Institute, headed by Dr. John H. Kellogg was in full swing.
The Mix
The Doctor
J.H. Kellogg was an interesting man. Figuring out how to get people healthy was his passion, and his job. Patening a process to serve easy-to-chew legumes, (aka peanut butter) earned him and his hometown, Battle Creek, a place in the history books.
Exploring J.H. Kellogg's Legacy
Some of Dr. Kellogg's patients were lacking the needed nutrients that a good protien food source could give them. Even today sick or elderly people can experience trouble with chewing hard or tough foods. In 1895 the problem was an even even tougher.
The Problem
The Patent
Dr. Kellogg is mostly known for his contribution to breakfast when he created Corn Flakes. But, he also had patents towards the process of taking dried nuts and creating a smooth dietary solution for his protien lacking patients. Voilà - peanut butter.
PBfest Inc. is a registered Michigan Non-Profit organization.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Who runs PBfest?
Twelve Oaks LLC is a Michigan owned and operated for profit business, that is supporting the launch of the Michigan Nonprofit organization PBfest Inc. in Battle Creek, MI. Both are organized Tommy Furmato.
How can I volunteer?
We would love for you to help with this event. Go to our volunteer page to let us know you are interested.
There are ways that you can help support our organization without volunteering your time.
1. Give Financially. Clicking on the link will open a new page for giving financially in any amount.
2. Spread the Word. Share this website with friends and visit and follow our facebook account.
I want to help but can't volunteer.
Where can I find more information?
More information can be found on our main website or by exploring other sections.
What is the purpose and mission of PBfest?
Purpose To drive the cultural and economic revitalization of Battle Creek by exploring the vital intersection of Faith, Food, and Freedom, honoring the foundational principles that shaped our city’s legacy.
Mission PBfest serves as a catalyst for community connection, creating an immersive, high-energy festival experience that blends our historic culinary contributions with the entrepreneurial spirit of today. We aim to bridge generations by celebrating where our shared values meet, nurturing the bonds of our community, showcasing local innovation, and fostering a spirit of creative independence.
PBfest
So This is Battle Creek's Peanut Butter Festival
In 2024, the Battle Creek City Council voted to recognize the contributions of J.H. Kellogg for the contributions he made towards the history of peanut butter. The proverbial nut fell from the tree and gathered a few other interested voices who decided that steps needed to be made towards the development of a new festival in Battle Creek, one to celebrate J.H. Kellogg's contribution. He didn't just grind a few nuts up, he innovated the nutritional element of a basic food product and solved a problem. PBfest wants to celebrate what he did, and what many others, past and future, have and will contribute to nutritional innovations.
