SEBASTIAN — The National Association of Letter Carriers will sponsor the 23rd annual Stamp Out Hunger food collection, the nation’s largest single-day food drive, on Saturday, May 9.
Last year, Letter Carriers all across America, with the help of thousands of volunteers, collected more than 70 million pounds of non-perishable food. Sebastian and Barefoot Bay volunteers alone collected, sorted and weighed more than 30,000 pounds of food which was loaded onto trucks for immediate distribution to four local charitable organizations: The River Fund’s Feed Everyone Program, the Ecumenical Council Food Pantry, The Lord’s Table Soup Kitchen, and Abiding Presence International.
Plastic bags will be delivered to mailboxes a few days before May 9. Fill the bag with non-perishable food and place next to the mailbox at or before the normal delivery time. This year the motto is: “Buy One / Give One,” a new take on store promotions.
Canned proteins such as tuna and chicken are much appreciated as are soups, vegetables and fruits, and canned pasta with meat. Any other canned or boxed item are also welcomed. No glass jars or bottles please, since breakage is an issue. Remind family, friends, neighbors and co-workers to do the same.
A recent study found that hunger on the Treasure Coast is growing. For one in six residents, hunger remains a constant struggle. More than 27 percent of Indian River County children are food insecure and more than 7,000 children do not know where their next meal is coming from. The local food ministries are experiencing record numbers of people needing food and are challenged to meet the ever-growing needs of our people.
Early donations may be made at the Barefoot Peddler, Summit Plaza, Micco; North County Library or the Sebastian Gym, Sebastian Blvd; the Sebastian Main Street Post Office or one of the boxes located throughout the area. To volunteer or for more information, please contact Ms. McElroy at (978) 888-3217 or e-mail: mered8th@gmail.com
