To help local food pantries keep their shelves stocked to feed those in need, the Niles Post Office will join the 25th annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 13.

The National Association of Letter Carriers hosts the nationwide food drive. On May 13, letter carriers across the country will pick up residents’ mail and nonperishable food items at the mailbox.

Last year, the postal food drive was able to raise 42,000 pounds of food across Berrien and Cass County postal associates. This year, the Niles Post Office is hoping to help beat the amount raised last year.

Through the food drive, more than 80 million pounds of food was collected nationwide, feeding an estimated 64 million people.

Those wishing to donate can place nonperishable food items in a bag and leave the food items by their mailbox and a mail carrier will pick the items up.  Donations can also be brought to the local post office May 7 through May 13.

In 20 years of experience as a postal carrier, Niles’ Johnny Hernandez said he has seen first hand how beneficial the food drive is to local pantries. For many pantries, the spring season does not see a whole lot of donations.

“They are very happy [to receive donations],” Hernandez said. “Our food drive is just the right time and hopefully it will last until the holidays.”

The donations in Niles will be divided among the Salvation Army, First Presbyterian Church and St. Mary’s Christian Service Center. Red Bud Area Ministries in Buchanan will also receive donations through the Buchanan drive.

Salvation Army volunteer coordinator Tim Douglas said the postal food drive helps them to supply to families who have more need in the summer time. 

“We depend on that May postal drive to get us a good jump on the summer months,” Douglas said. “Especially with the kids getting out of school. Then they are home all day and that is that much more food that they need. The postal food drive is a God send.”

Hernandez said that too many people in the community still struggle with hunger.  Across the country, more than 49 million Americans do not know where their next meal will come from and 13 million children face hunger. Many seniors are at risk, too — with more than 5 million seniors 60 and older experiencing food insecurity, according to the National Association of Letter Carriers.

On collection day, Hernandez said family and friends often volunteer to help collect the food items.

Hernandez said those wishing to contribute try to leave their items near the mailbox close to when their area pickup time is. Anything in a glass container should not be donated.

“It warms our heart when we can help those individuals,” Hernandez said. “It is something that is needed.”

How to help:

WHAT: Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

WHERE: Drop off goods at the Niles Post Office, 741 Broadway St., or hang donations on your mail box

WHEN: May 7 to 13