Back in 2009, the sign in front of the U.S. Post Office on Ogden Avenue helped promote the annual Naperville collection that benefits families served by Loaves & Fishes Community Services. ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ is held annually on the second Saturday in May. (PN File Photo)
The National Association of Letter Carriers and the National Rural Letter Carriers Association again will partner with Loaves & Fishes Community Services during the 33rd Annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 10.
A few PN photos include images from food drives dating back to 2005 when kids from Creative Nursery School loaded a truck donated by Sound Incorporated with nonperishable food items.
Each year, residents are encouraged to place healthy, unexpired, nonperishable items in bags by their mailboxes on the second Saturday in May for collection by postal carriers and Loaves & Fishes volunteers.
With the nation experiencing a significant rise in the price of food and other basic necessities, the need for assistance continues to grow at a rapid pace. Loaves & Fishes currently serves over 10,000 people a week. The demand for food has grown faster than the supply, and food donations are struggling to keep pace.
“The increase in the need for food has been dramatic over the past three years. The number of people we are serving has tripled since the beginning of 2022, and unfortunately, the food supply has not been able to keep up with the rapidly rising demand,” said Mike Havala, President and CEO of Loaves & Fishes. “We are incredibly grateful for the work of the National Association of Letter Carriers, the United States Postal Service, and the support of our entire community. Your efforts are critical in helping us increase our food supply to meet the growing needs of families in our community.”
This annual event is the nation’s largest single-day food drive! Every donation makes a difference, and it’s easy to participate. Place non-perishable, unexpired food donations by your mailbox, and your Letter Carrier and event volunteers will deliver them to Loaves & Fishes.
A list of the most needed grocery items can be found on their website. You can also contribute and purchase the most needed items through the Loaves & Fishes Virtual Food Drive at www.loaves-fishes.org. All donations to the Virtual Food Drive on this day will contribute towards the total pounds collected for Stamp Out Hunger!
Together, we can continue to support our neighbors and meet their needs—helping families stay nourished and resilient. For more information on Stamp Out Hunger and how you can get involved with the mission of Loaves & Fishes, visit loaves-fishes.org.
Loaves and Fishes Community Services
Loaves & Fishes Community Services is a registered 501(3) organization serving over 10,000 people a week by providing healthy food and impactful programs for self-sufficiency. It is the largest food pantry in the state of Illinois. Clients receive a healthy variety of food, including fresh fruits and vegetables, milk, and eggs. The Loaves & Fishes CARES programs help clients become more self-sufficient through programs focusing on Physical Health, Financial Health, Employment Health, and Mental Health. Loaves & Fishes serves DuPage, Will, Kane, and Kendall counties. Loaves & Fishes Grocery Market and administrative offices are located in Naperville, and their Food Distribution Hub is located in Aurora. For more information, visit loaves-fishes.org.
