LAWRENCE CO. – Get ready to make a significant difference in your community with minimal effort! The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will hold its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the largest single-day food drive in the United States, on Saturday, May 10.
Rain or shine, local letter carriers and dedicated volunteers will collect bags of healthy, non-perishable food items that residents have thoughtfully placed by their mailboxes. These crucial donations are then sorted and swiftly delivered to local food pantries, directly helping feed hungry individuals and families in our community.
Event organizers want to assure everyone that the drive will proceed regardless of the weather. “If it is raining, we encourage people to put their donations in a plastic bag and tie it shut if possible, but please don’t let the weather keep you from donating,” they advise. Residents with curbside mailboxes or those in apartments with pedestal-style group mailboxes can conveniently place their donations inside their mailbox.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive plays a vital role in replenishing the shelves of local food pantries, especially during the spring months when supplies tend to be lower. The need for food assistance becomes even more critical as schools let out for the summer, leaving many young students without access to free or reduced breakfast and lunch programs. Locally, alarmingly, nearly 1 in 5 children face the risk of hunger.
Across our region, one in seven individuals is at risk of hunger. Many of these individuals do not qualify for other nutrition assistance programs, and the increasing cost of living makes it a daily struggle to make ends meet. As a result, they rely heavily on the support of local food pantries and kitchens for healthy, nutritious meals.
In 2025 alone, the Hoosier Hills Food Bank distributed nearly 5.8 million pounds of food to neighbors and partner agencies across six counties, including over 1.3 million pounds of fresh produce. Participating in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is a simple yet powerful way to contribute to this vital effort.
To participate, fill a box or grocery bag (or two) with healthy, non-perishable food items and place it by your mailbox on the morning of Saturday, May 10th. Keep an eye out for a Kroger bag in your mail the week of the drive, courtesy of event organizers. All donated food is distributed to the Hoosier Hills Food Bank and other local agencies, ensuring it reaches those in our community who need it most.
Here’s what local food pantries need most:
- Canned meat (tuna, chicken, beef stew, etc.)
- Canned fruit
- Canned vegetables
- Juice & juice boxes
- Cereal
Please remember NOT to donate:
- Expired food
- Open packages
- Perishable food
- Glass jars
Officials say your small contribution can make a big difference in the lives of your neighbors facing food insecurity.
