Letter carriers collecting Food Bank for Larimer County donations on May 10

Larimer County residents and letter carriers from across the county will turn mail into meals on Saturday, May 10 during the 22nd Annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, Stamp Out Hunger is the nation’s largest one-day food drive.

Last year, Larimer County residents donated a record-breaking 90,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank for Larimer County. Generous residents of all ages participated and made a difference in the lives of seniors, children and families who struggle with hunger.
Despite a recovering economy, over 28,000 Larimer County residents still depend on the Food Bank for Larimer County for food assistance. Rising housing costs and other fixed expenses leave little money for food. According to a recent survey of Food Share clients, over 70 percent rely on the Food Bank for 50 percent or more of their food. To continue to support our neighbors in need, the goal for this year’s drive is an ambitious 100,000 pounds.

Last year, donations from the Stamp Out Hunger food drive filled critical emergency food needs immediately following the September 2013 flood. Food Bank staff and volunteers prepared food boxes to distribute to Larimer County families and individuals impacted by the floods. Each year, Stamp Out Hunger donations help the Food Bank provide food to our 80 nonprofit agency partners who, in turn, provide food and/or meals for low income residents at soup kitchens, shelters, adult/child daycare facilities and more. In addition, food drive food is included each week in weekend food bags for homeless and near homeless children. The Food Bank and its partners prepare more than 700 of these bags for children in the Poudre and Thompson School Districts.

In Fort Collins and Loveland, participation is easy. Letter carriers will deliver blue plastic bags prior to May 10. Donors are asked to fill the bags with non-perishable foods (cans or boxes, no glass containers, and no expired food). The Food Bank’s most needed items include: peanut butter, low sugar cereal, canned meats and fruits. Items can be placed near your mailbox on May 10 before your carrier arrives. Letter carriers will deliver items to the Food Bank which will safely store and distribute it to all in need.

For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger effort in Fort Collins and Loveland, ask your letter carrier, contact your local post office or visit www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger.