OCALA, FL (352today.com) – On Saturday, May 10, letter carriers in Ocala and across the country will take part in the 33rd annual Stamp Out Hunger® Food Drive, the largest one-day food drive in the United States.

Organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), the food drive aims to fight hunger in local communities by collecting non-perishable food donations right at residents’ mailboxes. Letter carriers will pick up the donations during their normal delivery routes and deliver them to nearby food pantries, including Interfaith Emergency Services (IES) in Marion County.

Why This Drive Matters

The timing is critical: while donations to food banks spike during the winter holidays, many pantries find their shelves depleted by spring. This is also the time when school meal programs pause for the summer, leaving vulnerable children at risk of going without breakfast or lunch.

According to national figures:

  • Over 44 million Americans face food insecurity.
  • 14 million children are unsure of their next meal.
  • Nearly 5.5 million seniors over 60 struggle to afford food.

Local Impact

Ocala-based Interfaith Emergency Services is one of the local organizations counting on the drive to stock its shelves for the busy summer months.

“This annual food drive is our saving grace for the thousands of Marion County residents that will be forced to look to Interfaith for grocery assistance this summer,” said Karla Greenway, CEO of IES. “Many of these are single parents who work hard to provide for their families but just can’t keep up with the increasing cost of living. Others are retirees who thought they would never need to ask for this type of assistance. Help us with this food drive so we never have to turn anyone in need away. Every can or box of food helps! And please… thank your local letter carrier!”

Greenway also issued a “mailbox challenge,” encouraging locals to fill a bag with food, record a video of their donation, and tag a friend to do the same. She challenged Ocala philanthropist RJ Jenkins to join in.

How to Participate

  • When: Saturday, May 10, 2025
  • What to do: Place a bag of non-perishable food items next to your mailbox
  • Who benefits: All donations stay local and support nearby food pantries

Residents are encouraged to check expiration dates and avoid glass containers. Every item donated helps fight hunger in the Ocala community.

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