In the back room of a dimly lit Valencia store front, over a dozen people gather with one plan in mind. Their objective is simple: make as many peanut butter and jelly sandwiches as possible and deliver them to people in need within the surrounding neighborhoods. This group, armed with little more than plastic knives and sandwich bags, is known as the Peanut Butter Plan.

The first volunteers arrive at 849 Valencia St. around 7 p.m. riding a black scooter, shedding motorcycle helmets and brown paper bags full of supplies. Their arsenal includes over a dozen jars of various brands of peanut butter, an equal supply of jelly and over half a dozen loaves of bread.

"What we're trying to do is get people organized and involved in their community," said Ryan Lewis, coordinator of the San Francisco Peanut Butter Plan. "We wanted to give people something that is meaningful without just throwing money at the problem, and what's better than a peanut butter and jelly sandwich?"

The Peanut Butter Plan's main goal is to combine philanthropy and accessibility to not only the volunteers but to those that receive their sandwiches as well.

"We chose peanut butter and jelly because it's not only cheap but most people seem to enjoy them," said Lewis. "You can get all the supplies for about ten dollars and with that, one person could feed about ten more."

Since its initial conception in the spring of 2009 by writer Jory John, who is now based in Santa Cruz, the Peanut Butter Plan has spread across the country by word of mouth and through popular social networking sites like Facebook. The San Francisco Peanut Butter Plan has met four times since the group was founded but other groups have been popping up in cities like Los Angeles, Phoenix, Austin, Texas and even London, England.

"I'm really pleased to see this idea growing," said Mike Schachrer, a two-time volunteer with the Peanut Butter Plan. "Seeing this just helps to validate my idea that food is an inalienable right and people should do what they can to help those who need it."

For more information on the Peanut Butter Plan or to volunteer please visit
www.peanutbutterplan.org or search facebook for Peanut Butter Plan.