The National Letter Carriers’ Food Drive is held each year on the second Saturday in May, and this year’s event could not have come at a better time. With students out of school, our food needs increase greatly during the summer months. Without school-supported programs, our clients’ food budgets are stretched to the breaking point.

When the national food drive started in 1993, food banks suggested that it be held in the spring, when the stocks of food donated during the winter holidays were starting to run low.

Without the Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, it would be very difficult for the food bank to have enough non-perishable food throughout the summer months. It is truly amazing how the efforts of our community can influence our continued role to supply food to hundreds through our pantry network. The community’s generosity helps us prepare for the busy summer months when hunger is at its highest.

Of course, the second Saturday in May frequently falls before another special day—Mother’s Day. It is as if we are mothering the community by helping provide food. It is so great to see people give, and sometimes the people that do not have much give the most. We are as humbled as we are proud to be a part of this annual event. All of the donated food stays in the local community. And a special thank you to the carriers. They go out and stay after work on their own time to lend a hand to the success of the annual drive.