One of the biggest food drives of the year in Austin will take place Saturday with the National Association of Letter Carriers Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.

This drive seeks to raise food for local food shelves. Residents are asked to put nonperishable food items in the bags and then leave them next to their mailboxes on Saturday. Letter carriers will collect the food and take it to the post office, where it will be weighed and then turned over to food shelves for distribution.

The food drive raises an average of 10,000 to 12,000 pounds worth of food. Last year, the drive raised over 14,000 pounds.

All food donated in Mower County will be used to help people in Mower County.

The food drive is a friendly competition between Albert Lea and Austin letter carriers.

Since Albert Lea has collected more than Austin all but two years since the competition was created in 2007, it’s time we step up and help the Austin carriers win the trophy this year.

But really, the main point is to help local families in need.

What to donate

All donations of non-perishable food items will be accepted, but the following items are particularly needed:

•Beans (particularly baked, chili, and kidney)

•Canned Fruits and Vegetables

•Cereal

•Crackers

•Evaporated/Condensed Milk

•Macaroni and Cheese

•Pasta

•Potatoes (in cans or boxes)

•Rice

•Soup