Saturday marks the 24th anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive. Local letter carriers across the country collect non-perishable food donations from our customers. These donations go directly to local food pantries to provide food to people in Fort Dodge and surrounding areas who need our help.

The need for food donations is great. This food drive’s timing is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during Thanksgiving and Winter holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies at a time when many school breakfast and lunch programs are not available to children in need.

Participating is this year’s food drive is simple. Just leave your non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox starting at 9 a.m. on Saturday, your letter carrier will do the rest.