Austin may have lost to Albert Lea again in this year’s U.S. Post Office Stamp Out Hunger food drive, but in a more important way, it was a winner.

Austinites raised about 11,000 pounds of food in this year’s food drive, 2,000 pounds more than last year and 500 pounds more than the five-year average.

“It was a great, great showing,” said Connie Kirama of the Austin Post Office.

Albert Lea defeated Austin this year with nearly 14,000 pounds. The food drive is an effort put on around the U.S. by the National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association. Some food is still trickling in.

“The Austin community does a phenomenal job of giving,” Kirama added.

Lori Espe, case worker with the Salvation Army in Austin, said the recent food donation was much needed.

“That 11,000 pounds will get us through one whole month,” she said.

In Albert Lea, the food was given to the Ecumenical Food Pantry at the First Presbyterian Church and the Albert Lea Salvation Army.

Before the letter carriers food drive, most of the food shelves were empty. This collection of food, coupled with orders the Salvation Army gets from the food bank, will help local families through the entire summer.

Still, the Salvation Army needs more food. The organization, which has named this week National Salvation Army Week to recognize its 60th anniversary, encourages people to donate or get involved however they can.

“National Salvation Army Week is the perfect time for local volunteers and donors to join our important mission,” said Lt. David Amick. “In addition, this time of year is typically when giving decreases but the need for Salvation Army services increases. Any extra help we can get right now will have big impact.”

Austin letter carriers will present Albert Lea carriers with a trophy at an upcoming Albert Lea City Council meeting.

For more information about donations, call the Salvation Army at 507-437-4566.