Letter carriers around the country will collect food bank donations at mail boxes on Saturday.
May 11 is the national "Stamp Out Hunger" food drive, sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. Last year, 70 million pounds of food were collected around the country.
Twin Cities donations will go to the Second Harvest Heartland, to be distributed to local food banks.
Organizers say the most needed items to be left at mailboxes Saturday are:
- Canned meats
- Soups
- Canned fruits and vegetables
- Cereal
- Dry pasta
- Peanut butter
- Rice
- No glass
An article in the Postal Record says:
"...the second Saturday in May was specifically chosen for the annual event. By that time, pantry shelves filled up through winter-holiday generosity are oft en bare or nearly so by late spring — a sad reflection of the reality that widespread hunger in America is a tough problem to solve. Also, school programs that provide free or reduced-cost meals to students typically do not continue operation during summer months."