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The annual National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive has been postponed because of the COVID-19 pandemic. It may be rescheduled nationally later in the year.

Because the need for a source of food for families struggling during this crisis is increasing, and because this annual May food drive is the largest single day food drive in Mower County, the Austin letter carriers want to do what they can to help keep the local Salvation Army food shelf stocked in lieu of the Spring food drive.

Knowing food shelves can use their purchasing power to take monetary donations and get the items they need at a reduced cost, the Austin letter carriers of NALC Branch 717 are donating $2,000 to the Salvation Army food shelf this Wednesday. The hope is this donation will inspire other organizations and individuals to make similar gestures during this crisis and throughout the summer.

A representative from the union said they are disappointed at the cancellation of the food drive, but understands the reason. Each year the residents of Mower County donate much needed nonperishable food items during the food drive and letter carriers wanted to thank them and return the favor with this donation.

This gift will help, but it is not enough, so the letter carriers are asking friends, neighbors and businesses to chip in and donate what they can to the food shelf and other efforts being made to get us through this difficult time.

If Stamp Out Hunger can’t be done this year, it will be back in 2021 on the second Saturday in May to collect food from generous area residents.