Stamp Out Hunger returns Saturday

SIKESTON – Stamp Out Hunger returns Saturday, May 11, with local letter carriers collecting items for Southeast Missouri Food Bank.

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. Last year, 11,999 pounds of food was collected in southeast Missouri.

“Carriers are excited for this year’s food drive,” said Kraig Shafer, NALC food drive coordinator for branch 1015, which covers several communities in southeast Missouri, including Cape Girardeau, Jackson and Perryville. “We know the need of the communities we live in, and hope Stamp Out Hunger is able to help the people who need it. We hope our communities really show that level of giving.”

Stamp Out Hunger occurs at a key time when schools are letting out for the summer and many parents have additional expenses with child care and providing all meals for their children.

“We as Letter Carriers are proud to help our local communities whenever we can,” said Caleb Dockins, NALC food drive coordinator for branch 1016, covering Poplar Bluff, Dexter, Kennett and Portageville. “We know that the timing of our Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is critical for local food pantries and we hope that the community will rally with us to help those in need.”

Southeast Missouri has some of the highest rates of food insecurity in the state, with one in six children, one in seven families and one in eight senior citizens facing hunger. Food drives like Stamp Out Hunger help provide relief for these neighbors and are a key tool in the fight against hunger.

“Stamp Out Hunger is our biggest food drive of the year, and we are so appreciative for the letter carriers and community support,” said Joey Keys, chief executive officer of SEMO Food Bank. “As we head into summer, we know families will need additional help, with children home from school. Food from Stamp Out Hunger will be distributed in the community where it is collected, so this is a great, and easy, way to help your neighbors.”

People may participate by placing non-perishable foods in a sturdy container next to their mailbox by 8 a.m. Saturday, May 11. Bags sponsored by Edge Realty were distributed by letter carriers in some communities May 4. If someone didn’t receive a bag, any bag or box will do.

“EDGE Realty is proud to partner with our mail carriers and Southeast Missouri Food Bank again this year,” said Bill Cole, Designated Broker/Owner of Edge Realty. “One bag at a time, we can all help pave the way for a hunger-free tomorrow.  

Donated food should be non-perishable, unopened and unexpired.

“Canned fruits and vegetables, canned soups, and shelf-stable proteins like canned chicken, fish and peanut butter are some of our most-needed items,” Keys said.

Food will be collected rain or shine. For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, ask your letter carrier, contact your local post office, visit either stampouthungerfooddrive.us.

or facebook.com/StampOutHunger/, or follow the drive on Twitter at twitter.com/StampOutHunger.