To Who It May Concern,
Saturday May 11, marks the 27th anniversary of one of America’s great days of giving— the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Upstate and Capital District Letter Carriers walk through the community every day, often coming face to face with the sad reality for too many, hunger. So each year on the second Saturday in May, Upstate and Capital District Letter Carriers across the capital district collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people throughout the Capital Region who need our help.
Last year, we collected over 75 million pounds of food nationally, feeding an estimated 64 million people. Over the course of its 27-year history, the drive has collected approximately 1.6 billion pounds of food. The postal service’s universal delivery network spans the entire nation, including Puerto Rico, Guam, and U.S. Virgin Islands.
The need for food donations is great. Currently, 49 million Americans — one in six — are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Thirteen million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. More than five million seniors over the age of 60 are food insecure; with many who live on fixed incomes and are often too embarrassed to ask for help.
Our food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted; entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.
Participating in this year’s Letter Carrier Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is simple. Just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox on Saturday May 11, and your letter carrier will do the rest. Please help us in our fight to end hunger; as we celebrate our 27th anniversary in America’s great day of giving.
Edward Walsh
Region 11
National Association of Letter Carriers
