The annual postal carrier food drive competition between Albert Lea and Austin is too close to call thus far, but total donations are up compared to last year.

Food Drive Coordinator Bob Rosel said Austin and Mower County residents gave more than 13,000 pounds of food this year, up from 9,000 in 2014. Albert Lea carriers have raised about 14,000 pounds, but Mower County residents can still give food Monday to beat Albert Lea.

“It’s going to be close either way,” Rosel said. “It’s up for both communities from last year, which is the most important part.”

The contest is part of the National Association of Letter Carriers and National Rural Letter Carriers Association’s 22nd annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive. The annual mail carrier food drive raises food donations for the Salvation Army of Austin food shelf during a traditionally down time of the year for donations.

The food drive does span across Mower County, and any food that is collected in Austin stays in Austin.

Regardless of who wins, Rosel and the other postal carriers say they’re pleased to know they’ve helped the community.

“That makes it quite satisfying to know over the summer months, the people of Austin and Albert Lea can have access to nutritious foods when they need it,” Rosel said.