More than mail: postal workers collect food for thousands through Stamp Out Hunger

ZANESVILLE, Ohio — Stamp Out Hunger has made its mark again this year.

The drive, hosted by the National Association of Letter Carriers, has collected more food than anticipated. The food drive calls on the community to do one simple task: set nonperishable food items by their mailbox.

“We were able to exceed last year’s numbers; we collected over 800 pounds more this year for a total, just for the Zanesville community, we collected 54,136 pounds exactly,” Gorge Walsh, vice president of National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 63, said.

That generosity goes a long way. With summer approaching, food insecurity often increases as schools close and children lose access to regular meal programs. For many local families, every donated item helps fill that gap.

“As letter carriers we see each day, we go from door to door in our communities, almost every door, every day and we see that need. This is a way to do what we do best, this is a way for us to fill that gap. Each year as schools let out, kids don’t have available food programs, we have seniors in our community, that we see every day, on fixed incomes who have to choose between a meal or their medications they have to purchase,” Walsh said.

Stamp Out Hunger will take place again next year. In the meantime, if you’re looking to volunteer, reach out to the Muskingum County Hunger Network or continue volunteering at food pantries and hot meal locations. If anyone is struggling with food insecurity, contact 211 for information about the nearest local food pantry.