The National Letter Carriers’ 26th Annual “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive, the nation’s largest one-day food collection event designed to help replenish local food banks, is Saturday, May 12. Neighborhood House is the recipient of all food donated in this region (Rochester, Rochester Hills, and Oakland Township). Last year, they received over 40,000 pounds of food to support the Food Pantry. There are many ways to support the food drive. You can help pick up food donations in your vehicle along letter carriers’ walking routes, monitor drop-off locations, unload trucks, and sort the food that comes in. To sign up, visit www.ranh.org or call 248-651-5836 ext. 15.
Look out for a postcard like this in your mailbox
All food collected stays local, helping feed hungry families right here in our community. Last year alone, the Neighborhood House Food Pantry served over 4,400 local hungry individuals and families with over 245,000 pounds of food. “Last year our food donations from Stamp Out Hunger kept our pantry stocked for 2 1/2 to 3 months. We serve an average of 40-50 individuals per week, so the event feeds at least 400 individuals,” said Debra Cole, Manager of the Neighborhood House Food Pantry. “Stamp Out Hunger provides food at an important time of year when the youth in our families will not be receiving free and reduced lunches at school. I encourage you to add a few cans to each bag you put out so we can reach more families in our neighborhood.”
Volunteers of all ages can participate
To donate to the food drive, the community is asked to fill a grocery bag with non-perishable food and place it at the mailbox on May 12 to be picked up by our letter carriers. Most residents in our area should receive a folded grocery bag in the mail prior to the event as a reminder. Unsure of what items to donate? Neighborhood House posts an updated wish list on their website. Volunteers will help pick-up, unload, and sort the food throughout the week for local neighbors in need.
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