In 10,000 cities and towns across the country this May 9th the 300,000 members of the National Letter Carriers Association (NALC) will be collecting tens of millions of pounds food to help the needy as part of its 17th annual 'Stamp Out Hunger' food drive.

NALC President William H. Young emphasized the importance of this year's food drive in a recent press statement. “Millions and millions of families are suffering – struggling to make ends meet and put food on the table,” he said. “More than ever food banks, pantries and shelters need our help this year. As families count on them for support, they’re counting on us and we must not back off on our commitment.”

Last year the letter carriers union gathered more than 73 million pounds of food, and over the past 16 years, they have collected about one-half billion pounds of food.

In most places, residents can leave their donations near their mailbox for the letter carrier to pick up. In some major cities, like New York and Chicago, however, transportation limitations require that people bring donations directly to their local post office. Talk to your letter carrier or contact your local post office for more details about the food drive in your area.

To remind postal customers, the US Postal Service will join with Campbell Soup Company to send some 125 million cards with information about the food drive. TV and radio ads will also announce the event.

People are asked to leave nonperishable food items in a bag near their mailbox on May 9th. Unless notified otherwise, your letter carrier will bring the donation to the post office for you. Please give, canned meats, canned soups and stews and canned vegetables, fruits and beans. Unopened plastic containers of peanut butter and jelly are good donation items, too.