The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive showcases the power of community generosity by collecting enough food and funds to help provide nearly 90,000 meals for individuals and families experiencing hunger.
Locally, the food drive supports the Blue Ridge Food Bank and gathered 91,588 pounds of food and $4,423 to help keep pantry shelves stocked during the busy summer months.
Stamp Out Hunger, hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers, is the nation’s largest single-day food drive, uniting communities in a shared mission to end food insecurity.
“This food drive makes an incredible impact, arriving at a time when families need it most. The generosity of our community and the dedication of letter carriers and volunteers ensure that thousands of families have access to nourishing food throughout the summer. We’re deeply grateful for the support that makes Stamp Out Hunger such a success,” Michael McKee, CEO of the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank, said.
Held Saturday, May 10, the event saw residents across the food bank’s 25-county service area leave donations at their mailboxes for letter carriers to collect. Volunteers stationed at local post offices helped sort and transport contributions to the food bank’s four branch locations in Charlottesville, Lynchburg, Verona and Winchester.
The total pounds collected from each participating post office location:
• Charlottesville: 8,452 pounds
• Lynchburg: 20,269 pounds
• Harrisonburg: 12,449 pounds
• Staunton: 13,666 pounds
• Waynesboro: 14,089 pounds
• Winchester: 16,909 pounds
• Additional sources: 6,875 pounds
Summer can be particularly difficult for individuals and families experiencing hunger. When school is not in session, a greater demand for food resources exists and donations often decrease. The Stamp Out Hunger food drive helps replenish food supplies, and strengthens the food bank and its network of partner organizations as they provide groceries for individuals and families living with food insecurity.
More information on supporting the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank is available online.
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Rebecca Barnabi
