The U.S. Postal Service and the National Association of Letter Carriers will conduct their 27th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, and residents are being asked to donate non-perishable food items to help needy families in their communities.
Wichita postmaster Ryon Knopik said this is the largest one-day food drive event in the country. He said Wichita letter carriers picked up 113,000 pounds last year, and they want to collect more this year.
Blue plastic bags have been delivered by letter carriers this week, and Wichita letter carrier Cathy Lamb said people can use them to donate non-perishable items such as canned fruit and vegetables, peanut butter, and other foods. The bags can be left on front porches or next to mailboxes, and letter carriers will pick them up on Saturday as they deliver mail.
Kansas Food Bank president Brian Walker said this is a very important drive at this time of year, with children home for the summer months, and with the recent flooding there may be increased demand in some communities. He said the food that is donated will stay in each community to help families in need.
Hampel Oil Company donated the plastic bags that are being used in the food drive.
