VERO BEACH — Many of our neighbors are struggling every day to put food on the table.
According to Feeding America, 24,840 Indian River County residents went hungry last year. The fight for hunger relief continues.
To help provide assistance to those facing hardship, on Saturday, May 11, local food pantries will participate in the largest food drive in the nation: the 21st Annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive.
Over 10,000 communities all over the U.S. will rally to help collect food. Last year, over 60,000 pounds of food was raised in Indian River County alone.
Simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, such as canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice, or cereal next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday, May 11.
Vero Beach’s letter carriers will collect these food donations as they deliver the mail and take them for distribution among local food banks and pantries.
This year’s participants will include: Food Pantry of Indian River, Breath of Heaven Ministries, First Church of God, Lakeside Fellowship, Operation Hope of Fellsmere, Our Father’s Table, Salvation Army, St. Helen’s Catholic Church, Tabernacle Baptist, Temple of Truth, and The Source.
“They come to us hungry and broken. Last year we served over 40,000 hot meals to those in need. We’re so excited to be able to participate again this year,” said Dennis Bartholomew, The Source’s Executive Director.
According to Scott Turner, President of Food Pantry of Indian River, the need is out there. He sees it.
“You just have to take the time and get involved. So many families and people are struggling. It’s sad. That’s who we’re here to help,” said Turner.
The annual food drive has grown from a regional to a national effort that provides assistance to the millions of neighbors in crisis struggling to put food on the table.
For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger postal food drive in Vero Beach, please visit www.IAmTheSource.org.