Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

This May 9th is the 23rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive! Put on by the National Association of Letter Carriers, Stamp Out Hunger is a national campaign to raise awareness for the 49 million Americans that go hungry every year. Since most food banks are well-stocked during the winter season, Stamp Out Hunger is held in the Spring to help stock them during a slower period of collection.

You can help by setting out non-perishable food donations at your mailbox for your local letter carrier to collect on Saturday, May 9th. Any donations help your community and will support those in need at local shelters.

FAQs:

When do I put out the food?

On May 9th, just set out your food well before your letter carrier’s normal pick-up time. Note that he or she will be delivering and collecting mail as usual, on top of collecting food donations, so that pickup time could be slightly later than usual. You can also drop off food donations at your local participating post office as well.

What if my donation is not picked up?

If your donation is not picked up, contact your local post office or simply place your donation by your mailbox on Monday instead. And of course, your local food banks and pantries will gratefully accept your donation in person.

Does my food donation stay local?

Yes—all food stays in your local community. It’s not shipped off to some regional distribution center hundreds of miles away. If you want to know where yours is going, call your local post office and ask to speak to your local food drive person.

Do I need to use a special bag?

No special bags are needed. Paper is sturdy and tends to hold more food, while plastic holds up better if it gets wet (in the rain, etc.). If you received a special Food Drive bag in the mail you can use it if you want to, but it is not required to donate.

Does every letter carrier take part in the Food Drive?

Some letter carriers as well as some post offices opt not to take part in the national Food Drive, for a variety of reasons. Note that letter carrier participation in the food drive is strictly voluntary. Just call your local post office and ask if your community is participating if you’d like to verify.

Can I donate pet food, baby food, toiletries and other personal care items, too?

The Food Drive is primarily a people-food food drive, but if you also want to give pet food or toiletries in addition to your regular donation, food banks may be able to distribute or direct them accordingly. Please do not donate any form of individual baby food products (including formula, jarred vegetables and fruits, meals, snacks, infant cereal). Baby food may be donated by the case or pallet, but single item donations present potential contamination risks and special handling requirements.

Thank you for helping those in need at your local shelters!