27th annual letter carrier’s ‘stamp out hunger’ campaign

Letter carriers are taking part in an annual tradition for one of the largest food drives of the year. Today was the 27th annual letter carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger campaign. U.S. post offices nationwide accepted donations of nonperishable food items for those in need.

“We’re happy to help out. We’re a part of the community. We do more than just deliver the mail,” mail carrier John Skeldon said.

Skeldon and thousands of other mail carriers picked up food donations left near mailboxes Saturday, all going toward food banks nationwide. Donations tend to decrease this time of year, so this event helps food banks resupply.

“This is the time of year that the food bank is running low on supplies. They get a lot of supplies during the holiday season,” Skeldon said. “So, the need is just as great during the summer.”

Once Skeldon finished his route, he dropped the food off at the Idaho Food Bank in Pocatello, where volunteers will sort it into boxes. Last year, the Pocatello branch raised more than 20,000 pounds. This year, they hope to surpass that.

“The National Association of Letter Carriers food drive, which is the one we’re having today, has a huge impact and is a huge help to offset that need in our inventory,” eastern Idaho branch manager Adam Walker said.

Skeldon has participated in this event every year since it started. “We see the need locally, that’s why it started so long ago. And the need, I’m sorry to say, doesn’t go away,” Skeldon said.

The Idaho Food Bank is always looking for donations. If you’d like to help out, you can find out how to do that by visiting the Idaho Food Bank website.