Austin mail carriers are still hungry after a narrow loss to Albert Lea.

Mail carriers across the country held their annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive over the weekend, and Austin’s postal workers brought in 8,977 pounds of food, according to carrier Troy Nelson. But, that wasn’t enough to beat Albert Lea’s 9,100 in a friendly competition between post offices.

“They squeaked one out on us,” Nelson said.

Nelson said the type of food can tip the scales, as canned food weighs more than dried food. Despite the narrow loss, Nelson said, he and other carriers were glad to give back and collect the food.

“We’re really happy with 9,000 pounds,” he said.

Totals for the national mail carriers’ drive haven’t been released. Austin’s food is donated to the Salvation Army in Austin.

Despite a successful drive, carriers already have their next annual food drive slated for November.

“There’s never enough,” Nelson said.