This Saturday, May 10, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will conduct its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in collaboration with MANNA FoodBank. Celebrating its 33rd year, this nationwide initiative comes at a crucial time for communities in Western North Carolina as they continue their recovery following Tropical Storm Helene's destructive flooding. Dr. Claire Neal, CEO of MANNA FoodBank, emphasizes the growing need for food assistance, noting that over 170,000 individuals seek help monthly, including many first-time recipients. The drive seeks to restock essential non-perishable items and bolster community resources amid a challenging season when donations typically decline.

Residents receiving blue "Stamp Out Hunger" postcards are encouraged to leave sturdy bags filled with non-perishable goods beside their mailboxes before Saturday's delivery. Recommended items include canned goods, peanut butter, pasta, rice, and cereal, while glass containers and expired products should be avoided. Local postal workers will collect these contributions during their regular routes and distribute them to regional food banks, shelters, and churches.

Tavon Wells, president of Branch 248 NALC WNC, highlights the pride letter carriers feel in contributing to long-term recovery efforts. Since the storm, MANNA FoodBank has distributed more than 12 million pounds of emergency supplies across its 16-county service area, focusing on heavily affected regions. As summer approaches, maintaining steady access to food becomes increasingly vital, especially for children who lose school meal support.

The Stamp Out Hunger event ranks among MANNA’s top four annual food drives, providing critical shelf-stable provisions. Last year alone, local carriers amassed 24,193 pounds in one day. Lisa Reynolds, Director of Food Sourcing at MANNA, underscores the importance of rebuilding stockpiles depleted by Helene, ensuring sustained support for families throughout the recovery process.

Individuals seeking further information about the drive can consult their letter carrier, contact their local post office, or explore online resources at nalc.org/food drive, facebook.com/StampOutHunger, or twitter.com/StampOutHunger. This collective effort aims not only to replenish dwindling food reserves but also to strengthen community bonds as residents unite in overcoming adversity.