National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Celebrates 33rd Anniversary

Photo courtesy of Great Falls Food Bank Saturday, May 10th marks the 33rd anniversary of a significant initiative in charitable giving: the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. Every day, letter carriers traverse their communities and often confront the pressing issue of hunger. The necessity for food donations is critical, with statistics indicating that 1 in 9 individuals are uncertain about their next meal. In Montana, there are 94,237 individuals experiencing food insecurity, including 28,410 children. On the second Saturday of May each year, letter carriers nationwide collect non-perishable food donations from postal customers. These contributions are delivered directly to the Great Falls Community Food Bank, providing essential support to individuals and families in the Great Falls area who are in need. The timing of this food drive is particularly pertinent. Food banks and pantries typically receive the majority of their contributions during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday periods. By the arrival of spring, many pantries find themselves with diminished supplies, entering the summer months when numerous school breakfast and lunch programs cease operation, thereby increasing the demand for assistance among children in need. Participation in this year's Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is straightforward. Individuals are encouraged to leave one or two bags of non-perishable food items by their mailbox on Saturday, May 10th, by 8:00 AM. Their letter carrier or a volunteer from the Great Falls Community Food Bank will retrieve the donations. All community members are invited to participate and aid in addressing the issue of hunger.