The National Association of Letter Carriers will be out and on a mission to diminish the problem of food insecurity in America on Saturday, May 10. The date marks the 33rd Annual Letter Carriers' Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which will see postal workers in Macomb County neighborhoods picking up donated food from mailboxes. Since launching in 1993, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has grown into the nation’s largest one-day food drive, helping to fill the shelves of food banks in cities and towns throughout the United States.
“Macomb County has always been a community that steps up to support its neighbors, and the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a perfect way for residents to make a real difference,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “We are proud to support this effort and grateful for our letter carriers and volunteers for their continued commitment to fighting hunger in Macomb County. I encourage everyone to participate on May 10. A simple donation left by your mailbox can help put food on the table for a family in need right here in our own community."
The importance of the second Saturday in May is front and center for letter carriers, postal coworkers, and family and community volunteers. Donations collected on this day provide emergency food supplies for thousands of families and individuals, including veterans, seniors, children and the homeless. Last year Macomb County residents donated 126,384 pounds of food to neighbors in need.
“We’re proud to be able to support the Letter Carrier’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive said Andrew Cox, director/health officer, Macomb County Health and Community Services. “This collection helps provide much-needed assistance to people who can really use the help.”
Individuals participating in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive should fill a bag or two with non-perishable, non-expired food and leave it on their porch or near their mailbox on Saturday, May 10. Glass containers will not be accepted. The United States Postal Service letter carriers and a league of volunteers pick up the donations.
“The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive gives everyone an easy, convenient way to help in the ongoing fight against hunger, said Ed Scott, director of Macomb Community Action. “All donations – large and small – make a big difference in people’s lives.”
“With rising food costs for families, the demand for food from food banks has increased,” said Linda Azar, division director, Macomb Community Action Children and Family Services. “Families are struggling to put food on the table and the need is great. You can help.”
All donations stay in Macomb County and will be distributed to those in need through the Macomb Food Program's network of over 40 food pantries and hunger related organizations.
