#United States #Washington #food donation #Stamp Out Hunger #NALC

Annual Food Drive by Letter Carriers

On May 10th, 2025, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will host its annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, a nationwide initiative aimed at combating food insecurity.

This long-standing effort, which started in 1993, is recognized as the largest single-day food collection in the United States. Every year, on the second Saturday of May, letter carriers across various cities and towns collect non-perishable food donations left by residents in bags placed near their mailboxes, right before their usual delivery.

The importance of this initiative cannot be overstated; countless Americans face food insecurity, and nearly 1 in 5 of them, including many children and the elderly, do not know where their next meal will come from. The timing of the food drive is particularly critical as food banks often find their supplies dwindling after the holiday season and with school lunch programs nearing their summer closures.

Community Involvement

The success of the food drive is driven by the immense support of national partners including the U.S. Postal Service, United Food and Commercial Workers International Union, and many other organizations that help promote and facilitate the initiative. Together, they work in efficiency, from distributing special postage to donating thousands of pounds of food, and even providing bags for the collection.

Brian L. Renfroe, the president of NALC, emphasized the significance of these efforts by stating, "Postal workers see the everyday struggles of people in their communities. For over three decades, we have been helping meet those needs, and we are proud to continue doing so."

How to Participate

Residents looking to participate are encouraged to leave bags of non-perishable items, such as canned goods, pasta, and rice, by their mailboxes on the collection day. It’s an easy and impactful way to assist local families in need. Volunteers will then help sort and distribute these donations to local food pantries, ensuring that all collected food remains within the community.

For more details about the Stamp Out Hunger campaign, please visit nalc.org/food.

Conclusion

As the largest postal union representing over 295,000 members, NALC takes pride in their commitment to serving not just their customers but also their communities. Founded in 1889, NALC has a rich history of advocacy and support, making efforts like the annual food drive a crucial part of their mission to assist those in need. Join us in making a difference this May 10th by contributing to this noble cause and support the fight against hunger in your local area.