Stamp Out Hunger set for May 13

news@currentnoblesville.com

Giving

May 13 marks the 31st anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive.

On the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the nation collect nonperishable food donations from customers. In Indiana, the donations go directly to more than 50 different local food pantries to provide food to people who need help, according to Carmel letter carrier Greg Gormong.

Central Indiana food pantries that the National Associate of Letter Carriers Branch No. 888 provides for include: Open Doors Food Pantry in Carmel, Hamilton County Harvest Food Bank based in Noblesville, Delaware Township Trustees in Fishers, Light and Life Free Methodist Church in Danville, Open Doors Food Pantry in Westfield, Zionsville Presbyterian Church in Zionsville, Lebanon Nazarene Church in Lebanon, Main Street Food Pantry in Fortville, Mama’s Cupboard in Sheridan, New Beginnings Fellowship Food Pantry in Thorntown, and Light and Life Free Methodist Church in Avon.

From this one day of collection, Branch No. 888 has averaged more than 90,000 pounds of food annually delivered to those pantries. During its 30-year history, the drive has collected more than 1.82 billion pounds of food through its network from Alaska to Florida and Maine to Hawaii, including Puerto Rico, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

“Our food drive’s timing is crucial,” Gormong stated. “Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons.”

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 May 13th, and your letter carrier will do the rest. With your help, letter carriers and the U.S. Postal Service will make the 31st year in America’s great day of giving its best one yet.

If you cannot participate the day of, you can support your local food pantry online. Visit nalc.org/food, select your state, select a food bank in your area and make a contribution that way.