Harry Chapin Food Bank is excited to partner with the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties and the National Association of Letter Carriers for the largest single-day food drive in the nation, the 2023 Stamp Out Hunger food drive, on May 13.

Now in its 31st year, the National Association of Letter Carriers event provides residents with a convenient way to donate food to those in need. On May 13, customers are encouraged to leave donations of non-perishable food items next to their mailboxes that will be collected by mail carriers along their regular postal delivery routes. Food collected in Lee County will be distributed by Harry Chapin Food Bank and other participating agencies.

Non-perishable food items include unopened, non-breakable containers, such as peanut butter, pasta, tuna, rice, beans, and canned meats, fruits, vegetables and soups.

“The annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive is pivotal in helping Harry Chapin Food Bank, and other food banks across the country, stay stocked with food during the summer months, when we see a significant increase in food insecurity for children and families because school is out,” said Richard LeBer, president and CEO of Harry Chapin Food Bank. “We are grateful for the continued support of our partners at the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties and the National Association of Letter Carriers. These partnerships allow Harry Chapin Food Bank to continue its work of feeding community members in need.”

Harry Chapin Food Bank and the United Way of Lee, Hendry, Glades and Okeechobee Counties partner annually with the National Association of Letter Carriers to ensure the food drive can be held each year. Hundreds of volunteers assist letter carriers by picking up food, unloading trucks and sorting items at postal drop-off sites.

Volunteers are needed to support the annual food drive. Harry Chapin Food Bank needs approximately 300 volunteers to help with set-up, unloading trucks and sorting items at the Page Field Post Office, Six Mile Annex and the Cape Coral Post Office.

To volunteer, visit https://harrychapinfoodbank.org/volunteer and submit an application. For more information, contact Lori Harrington, volunteer manager, at lharrington@harrychapinfoodbank.org.

United Way needs about 75 volunteer drivers to help letter carriers pick up food left by mailboxes on designated Lee County routes. To volunteer as a driver, visit https://unitedwaylee.org/volunteer/.