SHELBY – Saturday, May 12 marks the 26th anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving – the National Association of Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.
Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from their customers. In Shelby, these donations will go directly to the FISH Food Pantry.
“The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is very important to FISH,” stated a local food pantry volunteer. “It is the first of 2 major food drives for FISH during the year.”
Last year nationwide, the letter carriers collected over 80.1 million pounds of food. Over the course of its 25-year history, the drive has collected well over 1.5 billion pounds of food, thanks to a postal service universal delivery network that spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam and U.S. Virgin Islands.
“FISH appreciates all donations. At present we do have some particular needs: instant oatmeal, boxed dinners, spaghetti (1-lb. packages), canned vegetables, and chicken-noodle and various cream soups. Various staple items like flour, sugar, and oil are always welcome. Please make sure the ‘best-by’ date has not expired,” she added.
Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 12 and your letter carrier or a local FISH volunteer will do the rest. The National Association of Letter Carriers and FISH of Shelby invite you to join in America’s great day of giving and help us in our local fight against hunger and food insecurity.
National Association of Letter Carriers
The 280,000-member National Association of Letter Carriers represents letter carriers across the country employed by the U.S. Postal Service, along with retired letter carriers. Founded by Civil War veterans in 1889, the NALC is among the country’s oldest labor unions.
