General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsNational Association of Letter Carrier's "Stamp Out Hunger" Day May 14th (Tomorrow!)
Just a friendly reminder that the USPS is picking up non-perishable food for local food banks tomorrow. The USPS left me a bag yesterday, and already I have it ready for pick up tomorrow.
I've been told they need canned veggies, peanut butter, and tuna the most, but will accept anything that isn't opened previously, in a can, or a cardboard container (such as mac & cheese, dinners, etc).
Some cities, such as SF, are taking online donations. For more info, go to https://www.nalc.org/community-service/food-drive
Did you know this has been a tradition since 1994? I didn't until today!
Here's a video on how it is helping needy families--especially the working poor.
dhill926
(16,339 posts)thanks for the reminder...
pinboy3niner
(53,339 posts)GoCubsGo
(32,084 posts)Sadly, I'll probably be the only one on my block who puts out a bag--again.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)who are really in need, but each and every year they have their bag of donations waiting by their mailbox. It really warms my heart, and makes me tear up at the same time.
benny05
(5,322 posts)I guess that family sees that need for others.
My family probably could have used a food bank at times when I was growing up, but I don't think they were aware of them. Sadly, sometimes the working poor aren't, or if they were, they were too embarrassed to go to them.
GoCubsGo
(32,084 posts)It's not uncommon to be able to find items on sale or closeout that are free, close to it with coupons. Especially if the store doubles. I often take advantage of those deals and stockpile, since the USPS has this drive two or three times per year. A lot of times it's stuff I may not eat, but I know others do.
MissDeeds
(7,499 posts)Sad to say, I used to just go through my cabinets and weed out what we didn't need or want. Now I shop for what would be most nutritious and substantial for people needing assistance. It's such an easy way to help and truly makes a difference. I wish it was done several times as year.
Often I will buy 3 of canned goods that are on sale, and reserve one of them for the drive.
Arkansas Granny
(31,517 posts)silvershadow
(10,336 posts)who do too. 3 are current of former members of the postal worker's union, and 2 are retiree's who donate time to this still. An excellent program, and so easy to participate. If you are grocery shopping this evening, why don't you buy a bag of food to donate for tomorrow? (For those who can afford to). These efforts help stock food pantries, and I also know first hand, having had to visit a local pantry myself a time or two when times were hard. Food pantries often find it harder to provide services in warmer weather because we often aren't on their minds like they are during the holidays.