May 9 is a special day for the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) as they celebrate 34 years of the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive. With support from Community Bank, Pine Belt residents will find blue grocery bags in their mailboxes, inviting them to contribute to this cause. On that day, all collected food will go to local agencies like Christian Services and the Salvation Army to support families in need.
Residents are encouraged to fill their bags with healthy, nonperishable items and place them next to their mailboxes on Saturday morning. Local letter carriers will pick them up and ensure they reach the right organizations.
The NALC’s food drive is the largest one-day food collection effort in the U.S., according to their website. Dennis Mitchell, a postal employee in Hattiesburg, is the local coordinator for this year’s drive. He notes that the community has always been supportive, with letter carriers eager to help those facing hunger.
One agency benefiting from this drive is the Edwards Street Fellowship Center. Ann McCullen, the Executive Director, emphasizes how many local families rely on their food pantry. “We help 2,000 households each month, which translates to over 6,300 individuals relying on us,” she shared. The need continues to grow, making this food drive essential.
For those who pick up their mail at post office boxes, collection bins will be available at downtown Hattiesburg, 40th Avenue, and Petal post offices. They are particularly seeking canned goods, pasta, peanut butter, and cereal. On May 5, Mayor Toby Barker will support the initiative by reading a proclamation at the 40th Avenue post office.
This food drive reflects not just local efforts but a nationwide movement to combat hunger. In 2022, the NALC collected over 70 million pounds of food across the country, showcasing the community’s power to make a difference. As we gather food for our neighbors, we strengthen bonds and build a more caring community.
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