This year Stamp Out Hunger, the nation's largest single-day food drive, will look to surpass one billion pounds of food collected since its inception in 1993. Last year, letter carriers across the country collected a record total of more than 73.4 million pounds of food. But with hunger impacting 49.1 million Americans, including 16.7 million children, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's annual study measuring food security in the United States; help is needed now more than ever before.
To help Stamp Out Hunger this year, simply leave a sturdy bag containing non-perishable foods, like canned soup, canned vegetables, pasta, rice or cereal, next to your mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on May 8. Food items should be in non-breakable containers, such as boxes and cans. The nation's 230,000 letter carriers will be collecting donations from homes across the country and delivering them to food banks and other hunger relief organizations in more than 10,000 local communities.
"In these trying times it's important for Americans to rally behind causes like the Letter Carriers Food Drive to help their neighbors struggling with hunger," said Fredric V. Rolando, NALC president."While we're very proud of our success over the years in the battle against hunger, the fact remains that more Americans than ever are in need, which is why we remain committed to this drive."
In a recent survey conducted by Feeding America, the nation's leading domestic-hunger-relief organization, its 203 food bank members consistently reported increased demand for emergency food assistance, ranging from five to 150 percent. Food banks are also notoriously empty during summer months, having exhausted the supply of donations received from food drives conducted during the holidays that are then distributed during spring. Summer donations are even more critical since many children in need no longer have the benefit of their school lunch program.
"More than 49 million Americans live at risk of hunger, so please join me, my wife Courteney and millions of other generous Americans on Saturday, May 8 by placing a non-perishable food donation next to your mailbox to help the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger," said David Arquette, chairman of Feeding America's Entertainment Council who, alongside his wife, Courteney Cox, participated in a print, television and radio public service announcements to support the letter carriers' efforts.
A HELPING HAND
As part of its support for the drive, Campbell will donate one can of soup to Feeding America (up to one million cans) for each Facebook fan that joins the fight against hunger at www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger. The company also sponsors, along with the U.S. Postal Service, a reminder postcard being mailed to more than 120 million homes the week of the drive.
"We are absolutely committed to making a positive impact for our consumers, our planet, our employees and our community," said Douglas R. Conant, Campbell's President and CEO."Campbell's ongoing commitment to Stamp Out Hunger allows our company to make a meaningful contribution toward the critical issue of hunger that is impacting more and more Americans daily. The power of this program is when millions of Americans have the opportunity to provide a food donation that will then be used to help a neighbor in need in their community."
For more information about the annual Stamp Out Hunger effort in your community, ask your letter carrier, contact your local post office or visit www.helpstampouthunger.com. You can also follow the drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger or text STAMP3 to 30305* to sign up for mobile reminders.
Contact
Please contact one of our media representatives or call 800-771-2303
About Feeding America
Feeding America® is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 5.3 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.
Campbell Soup Company
Campbell Soup Company is a global manufacturer and marketer of high-quality foods and simple meals, including soup, baked snacks, and healthy beverages. Founded in 1869, the company has a portfolio of market-leading brands, including"Campbell's,""Pepperidge Farm,""Arnott's," and"V8." For more information on the company, visit Campbell's website at www.campbellsoup.com.
