Reviewed by: Cindy Hatcher
Fight hunger from your mailbox: Be part of the largest one-day food drive in the nation on May 9
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In Central Alabama, more than 246,000 of our neighbors don’t have consistent access to enough food to live a healthy life. But Stamp Out Hunger, the largest one-day food drive in the nation, helps address that need by getting food directly into local pantries, like place-based food pantries at local schools, to serve families and individuals across the region.
Stamp Out Hunger is back on Saturday, May 9, and helping is as simple as leaving food by your mailbox.
The food drive is a collaboration between United Way of Central Alabama (UWCA), the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama, the National Association of Letter Carriers and the U.S. Postal Service. Together, they’re working to support families across Central Alabama who are facing food insecurity.
Keep reading for details on the largest single food drive in the nation and how to get involved.
Stamp Out Hunger serves Central Alabama families in need
While needs exist year-round, demand for food assistance during the summer remains high, especially as families manage rising costs and fewer safety nets.
Fortunately, resources like Stamp Out Hunger make an effort to help close that gap.
“At the Community Food Bank, we’re extremely proud to take part in this national food drive that makes a direct local impact. Many of our neighbors are making tough decisions between food and other necessities. This food drive is a way for everyone in our community to come together to help our neighbors facing hunger have food on their table and in their pantry.”
Ginger Pegues, Director of Development, Community Food Bank of Central Alabama
Last year alone, the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama distributed 24.6 million pounds of food, including more than 60,000 pounds collected through Stamp Out Hunger, helping families, senior adults and others in need.
Leave donations by your mailbox before delivery on Saturday, May 9
You can directly impact Central Alabama neighbors facing hunger in three easy steps:
- Gather non-perishable food items (no glass containers!).
- Place items in a sturdy bag.
- Leave them by your mailbox before delivery on Saturday, May 9.
That’s all you need to do! Your letter carrier will pick it up during their regular route, and your donation will go straight to the Community Food Bank of Central Alabama.
Once it’s delivered, UWCA volunteers will sort the food donations and stock the shelves at the Food Bank.
What can I donate to help fight hunger in Birmingham?
These shelf-stable items are the most helpful for you to donate, in priority order:
- Peanut butter + other nut butters
- Canned meat (chicken, tuna, salmon, etc.)
- Canned vegetables (low/no sodium preferred)
- Canned fruit (or applesauce)
- Canned or boxed meals (Chef Boyardee, beef stew, etc.)
- Boxed mac + cheese
- Potato flakes
- Canned OR dried beans, peas, lentils, etc.
- Pasta, rice, quinoa (or other healthy carbohydrates)
- Breakfast cereals, oatmeal, grits + other breakfast foods
- 100% fruit juice (canned, plastic bottles or boxes)
- Shelf-stable milk (dairy or non-dairy alternatives such as oat, almond, coconut, etc.)
Volunteer for a shift at Stamp Out Hunger
Want to make an even bigger impact? Your time matters just as much. Volunteer opportunities are available throughout the day on May 9.
“Stamp Out Hunger is a wonderful opportunity for our entire community to unite in service. Whether you’re lending a hand at the warehouse or leaving non-perishable food items by your mailbox, every action makes difference, and we invite everyone to take part in this simple yet impactful effort to fight hunger in our community.”
Rachael Upton, Director of Volunteer Engagement, United Way of Central Alabama
You can be a part of this impact—donate items + help Stamp Out Hunger® today!
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