The local chapter of the National Association of Letter Carriers is joining the United Way of Central Alabama and the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama for the 26th Annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 12, 2018.
Beginning May 7, residents are encouraged to place food items in paper or plastic bags and leave them at their mailbox. Mail carriers will pick up your food donations on Saturday, May 12, the day before Mother’s Day. Residents can also drop off food donations at their local post office.
The Community Food Bank can accept non-perishable canned goods and boxed items. The most needed items include canned meats, fruits, vegetables (low sodium), and soups. Dry goods such as cereal and pasta are also welcome. For safety reasons, please do not donate items in glass containers.
Letter carriers in Greater Birmingham have collected over 230,000 lbs. of food in the past two years, later distributed to individuals and families in need. This year the goal is 200,000 pounds.
“We see the need spike when schools close for summer and children no longer have access to free school meals,” says Community Food Bank Executive Director, Kathryn Strickland. “We so appreciate the community rallying to replenish our food supplies right before the summer months.”
The Community Food Bank of Central Alabama’s mission is to feed people in need today and foster collaborative solutions to end hunger tomorrow. They accomplish this mission by supplying 11 million meals a year to over 230 food pantries, shelters and children’s programs in 12 counties of Central Alabama
The Food Bank also creates healthy food access by feeding children at risk of hunger during school breaks, delivering fresh produce and other staples to residents living in isolated communities and providing food to under-nourished mothers of critically ill infants through on-site hospital food pantries. To learn more, visit www.feedingal.org.