How to Participate in the NALC Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive to Combat Community Hunger

Every year, something incredible happens on a special Saturday in May. Across the nation, countless individuals unite for a common cause: to combat hunger in their communities. The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), has grown into the largest one-day food drive in the United States, moving mountains of meals to local food banks and pantries. 

With your help, 2025 can be the most impactful year yet. On Saturday, May 10, 2025, you’ll have a chance to make a difference right from your doorstep. This blog will guide you through everything you need to know to participate in this initiative and help make our communities healthier and stronger.

What Is the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive? 

The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive began in 1993 as a grassroots initiative to alleviate hunger. Over 30 years later, it has become a vital lifeline for food banks, food pantries, and millions of families in need. Organized by the NALC, this national food drive mobilizes mail carriers across the country to collect donations of non-perishable food along their routes. 

Each year, this event helps restock pantry shelves and keeps local food banks, like the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore, well-equipped year-round. These donations stay local, meaning your generosity directly supports families and individuals in your community who rely on these resources. Together, we can tackle hunger, one day at a time. 

When Is Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive 2025? 

Mark your calendar for Saturday, May 10, 2025!

Why this specific time of year? Following the holiday season, donations to food banks typically dwindle during the spring months. Meanwhile, the need for food assistance remains just as high, if not higher, due to rising costs of living and seasonal challenges. Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive Day comes at the perfect moment to bridge that gap, replenishing shelves when needed the most. 

This year, be a part of the solution. A small contribution on this day can have a ripple effect, bringing sustenance and hope to countless lives. 

How to Participate in the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive 

Participating in the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive 2025 is simple and impactful. Following  these steps will ensure your donation reaches those who need it most.

Step 1: Gather Non-Perishable Food Items 

Select nutritious, shelf-stable items that will make a real difference for families. Here are some great options to consider: 

  • Canned vegetables and fruits 
  • Peanut butter and jelly 
  • Rice, pasta, and beans 
  • Canned soups and stews 
  • Cereal and oatmeal 
  • Canned proteins like tuna or chicken

Step 2: Bag Your Items Securely 

Place your donations in a sturdy, disposable bag or box. Avoid glass containers, which can break easily during collection. 

Step 3: Place the Bag by Your Mailbox 

On the morning of the Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive Day, Saturday, May 10, leave your bag near your mailbox before your mail carrier arrives. 

Step 4: Your Mail Carrier Collects the Donations 

Your mail carrier will pick up your donations as part of their route and ensure they are delivered to local food banks and distribution centers. 

That’s it! Four easy steps for one powerful impact. 

Tips for a Successful Donation 

To maximize the impact of your donation, keep these tips in mind: 

Focus on Nutritious Foods: Items high in protein and low in sugar or sodium are ideal. Think about what you’d need to provide balanced meals for yourself or your family. 

Check Expiration Dates: Make sure all donated items are within their expiration period to ensure safety and quality. 

Avoid Glass Containers: These can break during transport; opt for canned or boxed goods instead. 

Hold a Mini Food Drive: Workplaces, schools, and places of worship can rally together to contribute even more! Bundle donations together for added impact. 

Your thoughtful contributions can bring nourishment and joy to families in your area. 

Why Your Donation Matters 

Hunger is closer than you think. Countless individuals, including children, seniors, veterans, and working families, are food insecure. Across Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore alone, more than 132,240 people depend on the Foodbank’s assistance to meet their basic needs. 

Behind every can, jar, or box of food is a story. A family regains stability. A child starts their school day with a full stomach. An elderly neighbor feels cared for. Here are a few reasons your national food drive donation is invaluable: 

  • Meeting Year-Round Needs: Food pantries remain a crucial safety net as families face rising costs.
  • Supporting Local Communities: Every donation stays in your area, helping neighbors right in our region. 
  • Fostering Resilience: For families struggling to get by, every small act of kindness helps rebuild confidence and stability. 

Your donation, no matter how small, matters immensely. 

Other Ways to Support the Food Bank 

Unable to participate on May 10? There are plenty of other ways you can join the fight against hunger:

Donate Money: Financial contributions go a long way in purchasing fresh produce and other essential items for food banks. Make a donation today!

Volunteer Your Time: From organizing food pantries to distributing meals, your time can make a world of difference. 

Host Your Own Food Drive: Organize a workplace, neighborhood, or school food drive to collect additional donations.

Raise Awareness: Spread the word on social media using campaign hashtags such as #StampOutHunger to inspire others to participate. 

Together, we can create real change in the fight against hunger. 

Make an Impact 

The Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive is more than a donation event; it’s a celebration of community, compassion, and shared purpose. When you leave a bag of food by your mailbox this May, you’re contributing to something much bigger than a single meal. 

Be part of the solution. Together, we can ensure that everyone has access to the nourishment and support they deserve. 

For more ways to get involved or to learn about how your contributions make a difference, visit the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia and the Eastern Shore today. 

Because with your help, hunger doesn’t stand a chance. 

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