On Saturday, May 10, 2025, residents across the Texas Gulf Coast and the entire country will take part in a powerful tradition of giving: the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, led by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). Now in its 33rd year, the drive is the largest single-day food collection campaign in the United States, delivering millions of pounds of food to local food banks at a time when resources are critically low.

Letter carriers, who are on the front lines of every neighborhood every day, often witness the very real issue of hunger in America. Through the Stamp Out Hunger® initiative, they are helping combat food insecurity by collecting non-perishable food donations directly from homes and transporting them to nearby food pantries.

Why May Is a Crucial Time for Food Donations

While many food banks receive a boost in donations during the winter holidays, spring and summer often bring a noticeable decline in supply—just as the need begins to rise. For many families, especially those with children who depend on school meal programs, summer can be a time of hunger rather than vacation.

The timing of the May 10 food drive is no accident. It helps food pantries restock before the summer months, ensuring that children, seniors, and families in need have continued access to food when other support systems pause.

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Hunger in America by the Numbers

The need for donations is more urgent than ever:

• 44 million Americans struggle with food insecurity.
• Over 14 million children face hunger’s impact on their health and education.
• Nearly 5.5 million seniors over 60 are food insecure, often choosing between food and medications.

These numbers highlight why events like Stamp Out Hunger are so essential—and how small contributions from individuals can make a significant collective impact.

How to Participate in the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive

Getting involved is easy:

• On the morning of Saturday, May 10, simply place a bag filled with non-perishable food items next to your mailbox.
• Your letter carrier will pick it up and deliver it to a local food pantry—no special trip required.

Commonly needed items include:

• Canned vegetables, fruits, soups, and meats
• Pasta, rice, and boxed meals
• Peanut butter and shelf-stable proteins
• Cereal and breakfast items

IMPORTANT: To confirm that your area is participating, use the official NALC Branch Lookup Tool at nalc.org/food-drive/branch-lookup or check with your local letter carrier or post office.

Powered by a National Network of Compassion

Since its launch, the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive has collected over 1.9 billion pounds of food nationwide, including contributions from places as far as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. In 2024 alone, the Los Angeles Branch 24 collected 1.8 million pounds of food.

This achievement is made possible through the reach of the United States Postal Service, whose 169 million delivery points serve as the foundation of this nationwide campaign. The USPS, a self-funded federal institution, continues to be one of the most trusted brands in America while undergoing a transformative 10-year plan, Delivering for America, aimed at modernizing its services and strengthening its public mission.

A Small Gesture, a Big Impact

In a single day, with the simple act of leaving a bag of food by the mailbox, residents can make a real difference in the lives of neighbors facing hunger. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive not only provides essential resources but also unites communities in a shared effort to support one another.

Join the movement on Saturday, May 10, and help ensure that no one in your community goes hungry this summer.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.