STAMP OUT HUNGER MAY 10th

Letter carriers walk through your community every day, keeping a watchful eye on their customers. Sadly, they often come face to face with a common reality-- hunger. So, each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non- perishable food donations to go directly to the local food bank.

Last year, we collected over 74 million pounds of food nationally, feeding an estimated 30 million people. Over the course of its 21- year history, the food drive has collected well over a BILLION pounds of food!

The need for donations is great. Currently, 49 million Americans are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. They could be your friends, your neighbors, your co- workers. Sixteen million are children, and nearly 5 million are seniors over age sixty who are too embarrassed to ask for help. Local food pantries help bridge the gap for those who are “food insecure”, or just need some help until their next paycheck. What a difference it could make in someone’s life to provide a box of food to get through a rough time.

The timing of our food drive is crucial. Food banks often receive the bulk of their donations around the holidays, and by Spring their shelves are depleted, entering summer months when many school lunch programs are not available.

Participating in the food drive is easy! Just leave a bag of non- perishable food items by your mailbox on May 10th, and your letter carrier will pick it up. You may also bring donations to your local post office. All donations are delivered to the local Food and Care coalition for distribution to needy families.