Postal food drive raises 173K pounds

The 22nd annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive brought in 173,000 pounds of food, an increase of 65,000 pounds over last year's total.

During the May 10 food drive hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers, postal patrons were asked to leave nonperishable food items in or near their mailbox for their letter carrier, according to a news release.

The collected food items were distributed to the Salvation Army, Grand Oak Mission, Victory Mission and Crosslines, as well as other local food pantries in surrounding areas.

"This food drive is our way of helping those in need - those that our carriers see on their routes every day.  The need is increasing – each day more individuals and families are utilizing food pantries,” said Howie Cunningham of NALC Local #203, who served as food drive coordinator, in the release.

The NALC Local #203 has participated in all 22 years of the food drive.

Victory Mission Executive Director Jim Harriger said the food drive helps fill the nonprofit's food pantry for the early summer months.

"As children are home from school in June and July, more families turn to our food pantry for their food needs.  This drive is critical to keep us going through the end of July," Harriger said in the release.

The food drive is scheduled May 9 next year.