The National Association of Letter Carrier annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is celebrating their 25th year helping the hungry and the event always takes place the second Saturday in May.

“It’s the National Association of Letter Carrier Food Drive, its the biggest food drive held across the nation, so every state participates including Puerto Rico, Guam, DC and the Virgin Islands,” said Mark Montoya, Helper City Post Office. “Over 175,000 letter carriers across the nation are picking up food from your house and by your mail boxes and its just a great way to stock the food bank again after the winter season. There is a lot of food drive held for Thanksgiving and Christmas, people kind of forget about the food bank after that, so that is why we choose to do it around this time of the year.”

The top requested non-perishable food items are: cereal, pasta, pasta sauce or spaghetti sauce, rice, canned fruits and vegetables, canned meals (such as soups, chili and pasta), 100% juice, peanut butter, macaroni & cheese, canned protein (tuna, chicken and turkey), beans (canned or dry). Individuals can donate healthy, low-sodium, low-sugar items such as beans, oatmeal and other whole grains, and canola or olive oil.

“This year we got colored bags so they are more visible and hopefully more eye appealing to the people so it helps remind them to participate, along with a post card with the information on there and it tells you to put it right by your mail box and that way we can see it and we’ll pick it up and give it to the food drive. All of the food that’s collected stays here locally, it goes to the Carbon County Food Bank,” stated Montoya. This is a wonderful opportunity for citizens to help with their local food bank and those in need in the area.

To learn more about this event visit the Stamp Out Hungry Facebook page.