Mail Carriers ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ Saturday

Hawai`i County will play its part in the largest single-day food drive of its kind, the nationwide “Stamp Out Hunger” drive this Saturday, May 10.

Last year the campaign generated more than 74.4 million pounds of food. Hawai`i County alone collected 35,000 pounds in the single-day event.

Saturday marks the 22nd annual food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers.

The NALC has already begun delivering blue bags to households this weekend. Community members simply fill the blue bags with non-perishable food and letter carriers will pick them up and deliver them to The Food Basket, Hawai’i Island’s Food Bank, said a NALC press release.

This year, The Food Basket is asking for prepared meals, rice and canned fruits and vegetables, all high-demand items. Dented, rusty, or bloated cans or other packaging may be indicators of spoilage, and should not be included among donations.

Mayor Billy Kenoi recognized the occasion and the efforts of the carriers with a proclamation supporting the effort.

“We are very fortunate the NALC steps up every year to make giving easy for the community,” said En Young, Executive Director of The Food Basket, in a statement.

As an AFL-CIO affiliate, the NALC relies on brother and sister unions to sort and pack the tens of thousands of pounds of non-perishable goods.

Last year 108 union members joined the effort to receive, sort, and deliver goods to The Food Basket. The Hawaii Government Employees Association contributes to infrastructure needs and supplies.

For more information, visit the NALC website or call The Food Basket at 933-6030.