Stamp Out Hunger food drive set for May 11

Each year, on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the country collect nonperishable food donations from their customers. The donations are collected locally and go directly to food pantries in Greater Fall River.

Last year, they collected 71.6 million pounds of food nationally. Over the course of its 26-year history, the drive has collected 1.67 billion pounds of food.

The timing of the drive is crucial. Food banks and pantries typically receive the bulk of their donationsl during the winter holiday season. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school meal programs are not available to children in need.

Participating in the Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is easy. Just leave nonperishable food donations in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday, May 11, and your mail carrier will do the rest.