Mail carriers witness food insecurity firsthand every day. The National Association of Letter Carriers is once again urging the public to join its annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.
One local carrier, Maria Johnson, spent her Friday delivering mail and special paper bags to hundreds of homes, hoping residents will fill them with non-perishable food items.
“I’ve been at this job for 22 years,” Johnson said.
For over two decades, she has placed “Stamp Out Hunger” bags in mailboxes along her route, encouraging people to contribute.
This marks the 34th year of the nationwide food drive.
“I have people come up and ask, ‘Where can I find a food bank nearby?’ They want to know where to get help,” Johnson explained.
Johnson’s route covers the city of Brookfield, where she delivers to nearly 1,200 households each day. She says more working families are struggling this year.
“Times are hard for a lot of us. Last year, donations were down, but we’re hoping more folks can pitch in now,” she said.
Donated food will go to the River Valley Food Network, which depends on these collections, especially after recent government support cuts.
According to organizers, over 47 million Americans—including 14 million children—do not know where their next meal will come from.
“We’re asking everyone to help out and support your neighbors,” Johnson said. “If you can give back, please do.”
Every year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers collect food donations to support the state’s largest food pantry. Will you be putting out a bag this year?
