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.

After many, many months of recruiting, searching, posting ads and interviewing a host of candidates, John Domrique was the successful candidate that filled the bill for what we had been praying and searching to find—a new driver.

John lives in Granada Hills with his wife Jennifer and their six children (three living at home). John brings with him driving and warehousing experience from UPS, Sprouts, and Titian. Active in ministry with his church, he also enjoys cycling and spending time with his family. John is passionate about sharing the Gospel and just enjoys other people. He is a joy to be around given his positive countenance.

Please join us in welcoming John to our family and pray for his safety and success fighting hunger and feeding hope.

Because of you, many young people receive nutritious food resources. For several local schools in the San Fernando area, Lisa Gonzalez, a local business owner and entrepreneur, picks up food resources to stock school pantries to keep young people healthy. Teachers are usually the first to notice changes in behavior and one of the most common reasons is hunger. Young people may get anxious when lunchtime approaches, knowing they do not have a lunch or snack. Hunger can cause a distraction to their learning and concentrating in classroom activities.

Fortunately, teachers can make available to those students in need some support from the “school pantry” supplies that Lisa stocks. The same young people that were dreading lunchtime are now looking forward to and excited for recess. Your support keeps shelves stocked at the food bank and schools too.