The National Association of Letter Carriers is holding its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9. This event gives residents in Southwest Florida an easy way to help local food banks at a time when more families are in need.
Before the drive, letter carriers will drop off special plastic bags at homes and apartments. You can fill these bags with nonperishable food items and leave them by your mailbox for pickup on May 9. The carriers will collect the donations and take them to local food banks.
“Many families are struggling to make ends meet at the grocery store,” said Richard LeBer, CEO of the Harry Chapin Food Bank. “Stamp Out Hunger lets everyone get involved directly from their mailbox.”
Items that are especially needed include breakfast bars, canned meats, canned vegetables, pasta, cooking oil, and peanut butter. If you don’t get a bag in the mail, any sturdy bag will work.
“Every contribution counts, and our letter carriers and volunteers will be out collecting food across Southwest Florida,” said Steve Camacho, who is helping coordinate the effort in Lee County.
Stamp Out Hunger started in 1993 and has gathered nearly 2 billion pounds of food across the country. In 2025 alone, over 48 million pounds were collected, with Florida contributing 8 million pounds. This impressive record makes it the largest single-day food drive in the United States.
Locally, your contributions will support the Harry Chapin Food Bank and its network of over 170 partners, helping families in Charlotte, Collier, Glades, Hendry, and Lee counties.
To learn more about getting involved or supporting hunger relief throughout the year, visit HarryChapinFoodBank.org.
Harry Chapin Food Bank is the largest hunger-relief organization in Southwest Florida, distributing 38.7 million pounds of food through various initiatives. They serve nearly 300,000 people each month and have received top ratings from organizations like Charity Navigator and GuideStar for their transparency and effectiveness.
In 2022, food insecurity affected about 1 in 10 people in Florida, a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges many face. Initiatives like Stamp Out Hunger play a crucial role in addressing these issues, showcasing the power of community action.
