Join the Fight Against Hunger: Phoenix Mail Carriers Collect Nonperishables for Local Food Banks

PHOENIX – This weekend, Arizona letter carriers will deliver more than just mail. They’re joining the largest single-day food drive in the U.S.

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Drive takes place on May 10, and it has a rich history in Arizona. Mary Halford, Treasurer of the NALC Arizona branch, shares, “It actually kind of got its start in Phoenix.”

This food drive began nearly 50 years ago. In 1976, a local branch of letter carriers started collecting food for St. Mary’s Food Bank using their own vehicles. Halford explains, “Our national president heard about it because it was a very successful drive. He thought we ought to get involved in this.”

Fast forward to today, and the Stamp Out Hunger National Food Drive is now held every year on the second Saturday of May. Over the past 33 years, mail carriers have gathered nearly two billion pounds of food nationwide, benefiting food banks everywhere, including about 120 million pounds in Arizona alone.

This time of year sees an increase in need. Many children are out of school, missing out on free meals, which adds strain on local food supplies. Maddie Mittelstaedt, the food drive manager, points out that food banks are particularly low during the summer months. “This food drive gives us a boost to keep our pantries stocked,” she says.

The whole process is simple. Residents leave nonperishable food items—like peanut butter, tuna, or cereal—at their mailboxes. The letter carriers then ensure that food reaches those in need, helping one in five Arizonans and one in four children facing hunger. Ryan Taylor, a Tempe letter carrier, expresses his pride, stating, “It feels great knowing I’m not just delivering mail, but also helping those who need food.”

Recent surveys reveal that one in eight Americans struggle with hunger. Initiatives like the Stamp Out Hunger Drive highlight the power of community and compassion. With ongoing social media trends emphasizing giving back, many are inspired to support local food pantries. Together, these efforts help forge a stronger, more connected community.

For more information about the drive, visit the official [NALC website](https://www.nalc.org/news/nalc-updates/stamp-out-hunger-food-drive).

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