Posted on: Friday, May 6, 2005

'Stamp Out Hunger' on May 14

Advertiser Staff

On May 14, mail carriers in Hawai'i and nationwide will lead the U.S. Postal Service's annual effort to "Stamp Out Hunger." Hawai'i residents are urged to place nonperishable food items in or next to their mailboxes for pickup that day. Postal employees and their families will sort the food and deliver it to their nearest community food banks.

Items in greatest demand are canned items, including meats, pastas, soups, pork and beans and fruits and vegetables. Packaged dry beans, pasta, rice and cereal are also sought.

Neighbor Island post offices without residential delivery will collect items during the week leading up to May 14.

Last year, Hawai'i's mail carriers collected and delivered more than 336,000 pounds of food to community food banks statewide. The Pearl City Post Office led the way, collecting more than 32,000 pounds.

"Donating just one canned good can make a difference in the life of a child, and donating a small bag of rice and a few more canned goods can feed an entire family," said local Food Drive co-chair Adele Yoshikawa.

It is estimated that more than 30 million people face hunger every day in the United States, including more than 12 million children.