Letter carriers help collect food

0Dear Editor,

Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carriers across the county collect non-perishable food donations from our customers.

These donations go directly to the local food pantries to provide assistance to people in need of services.

The need for food donations is great. Currently, 49 million Americans -- one out of six-- are unsure of where their next meal is coming from. Sixteen million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. Over 5 million seniors over the age of 60 are food insecure, with many who live on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help.

After speaking with Kathy Siler, executive director of the Sweetwater County Food Bank, I learned as of March 31 of this year, 3,840 unduplicated individuals, including 1,297 families, have accessed the county food banks for assistance. At the same time last year, there were 3,216 unduplicated individuals, including 1,140 families.

The timing of our food drive is crucial. Food banks and pantries often receive a majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and winter holiday seasons. Last year, letter carriers collected over 71 million pounds of food nationally, feeding an estimated 30 million people.

May 14 marks the 24th anniversary of the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger food drive. Reminder cards and bags will be mailed out shortly. Participation is simple, just leave a non-perishable food donation in a bag by your mailbox and your letter carrier will take care of the rest.

I would like to extend a sincere thank you to both past and future participants for supporting this cause. I know that together we can continue to make a difference and can one day permanently Stamp Out Hunger.

Kristin Guthrie

Green River