Senator Flanagan Supports USPS Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive

Senator John Flanagan (2nd Senate District) is once again supporting the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) during the 27^th Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.  On Saturday, May 11^th, letter carriers throughout the nation will be collecting donations of non-perishable items along their normal mail routes to help families in need.

To assist the letter carriers in this charitable endeavor, Senator Flanagan’s office will be serving as a collection point.  The office will be accepting donations at 260 Middle Country Road, Suite 102, in Smithtown from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every weekday through Friday, May 10th.

For residents who prefer to make their donation at their residence, items will be collected during normal mail routes on Saturday, May 11^th.  All donations should be placed by the mailbox or at the front door to allow for easy pickup.  While most post offices are participating in the program, residents are encouraged to check with their personal mail carrier to confirm participation.

This event provides food banks, pantries and shelters with needed supplies so they can help those in need.  Last year, the drive collected 71.6 million pounds of nonperishable items.

According to the NALC, the most requested foods include:

• Cereal
• Pasta
• Pasta Sauce
• Rice
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Canned meals such as soups, chili, pasta 
• 100% juice
• Peanut butter 
• Macaroni & cheese
• Canned protein – tuna, chicken, turkey
• Beans – canned or dry

They also recommend donating healthy, low-sodium, low-sugar items such as beans, oatmeal and other whole grains, and canola or olive oil.

The organization asks residents to avoid donating expired items, frozen food, homemade food, home-canned items or food in glass jars.  They also note that, in keeping with good food-handling and food-safety procedures, food that is opened, damaged, out of code or does not have the official ingredients included will be discarded by the food bank in the sorting process.

“The men and women of the United States Postal Service undertake this food drive every year to help provide food banks, pantries and shelters with essential supplies and we are thrilled to be able to join them in this endeavor.  Through their efforts, the USPS workers will help make sure that families in our community will have access to the assistance they need and we thank them for their efforts.  We are again proud to join with the USPS in their food drive and invite everyone in our community who can help to visit our office to donate to this worthwhile cause.”

Please click here for more information on this important event.