This weekend, Arizona's postal workers will do more than just deliver letters and packages. They are set to participate in what is known as the largest single-day food drive across the United States. The annual Stamp Out Hunger event, scheduled for May 10, has a rich history in Arizona, originating from a local initiative that has since expanded nationwide. This drive aims to address hunger issues by collecting non-perishable food items left at mailboxes by residents. Over the past three decades, this effort has resulted in the collection of nearly two billion pounds of food, significantly aiding food banks across the country.

The roots of this significant endeavor can be traced back almost five decades. In 1976, a group of postal employees in the Phoenix area initiated a program to gather food donations for St. Mary’s Food Bank using their personal vehicles. According to Mary Halford, Treasurer of the NALC Arizona branch, the success of this early effort caught the attention of the national president at the time, prompting him to consider expanding the initiative on a broader scale. Consequently, this grassroots movement evolved into the now-national Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, held annually on the second Saturday of May.

Over the years, the drive has grown exponentially. For instance, in recent years, it has managed to collect an impressive 120 pounds of food in Arizona alone. Maddie Mittelstaedt, the food drive manager, highlights the importance of this period, noting that it coincides with increased demand due to children being out of school and no longer receiving free or reduced-price meals. Simultaneously, food banks often experience a decline in donations during this time, making the drive crucial for maintaining supplies throughout the summer months.

Residents play a pivotal role in this initiative by leaving essential non-perishable items such as peanut butter, canned tuna, and cereal at their mailboxes. Postal carriers then ensure these contributions reach those in need, providing sustenance to one in five Arizonans and one in four children facing hunger challenges within the state. Ryan Taylor, a letter carrier from Tempe, expresses pride in his dual role of delivering mail and contributing to alleviating hunger among the less fortunate.

As the Stamp Out Hunger Drive continues to thrive, it exemplifies the power of community collaboration and the dedication of postal workers who go above and beyond their daily duties. This initiative not only addresses immediate needs but also fosters a spirit of compassion and solidarity among communities nationwide.