The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual national food drive Saturday, May 10.
NALC’s food drive, first held in 1993, helps feed millions of Americans.
Locally, residents can simply leave their donation of non-perishable food items next to their mailbox on Saturday.
Letter carriers will collect these food donations on that day as they deliver mail along their postal routes and distribute them to the Second Harvest Food Bank (SHFB) and its partner agencies in Clark, Champaign and Logan counties.
“We’re excited to once again be a part of this food drive,” said Procurement Manager Toni Tayloe-Haddix. “It not only brings the community together for a day of giving, but it also helps us prepare to meet the increased need for food assistance during the summer months when children are out of school.”
Saturday, as they deliver mail, the nation’s 200,000 letter carriers will collect the donations that residents have left near their mailboxes.
People are encouraged to leave a sturdy bag (or bags) containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, canned meats, pasta, rice, or cereal near their mailbox ahead of the regular mail delivery Saturday. The food donations stay in our community, going to help local neighbors.
Last year, 10,499 pounds of food was collected to support SHFB, which translates to 8,749 meals for neighbors in need.
As part of NALC’s support, a $2,000 check was presented to SHFB by NALC Branch 45 President, Brian DeWell.
“Stamp Out Hunger isn’t just about collecting food; it’s about making sure no one in our community goes hungry,” DeWell said.
If your letter carrier is unable to pick up your donation, take it the SHFB warehouse at 31 N. Sycamore St. this Saturday between 11 a.m. and 5 pm, or Monday to Friday, from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.
People who have questions about the drive should inquire with their local letter carrier, contact their local county post offices, or go to nalc.org/food-drive.
