Northwest Ohio ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ aims for 275K pounds of food

TOLEDO, Ohio — Mail carriers across northwest Ohio are gearing up for the 33rd annual “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive happening Saturday.

Mike Hayden, president of the National Association of Letter Carriers Branch 100, is leading the charge for the largest food drive in the nation. This year, the goal is to surpass last year’s total of 250,000 pounds of food collected in northwest Ohio.

“We’ve collected 6 million pounds of food here in northwest Ohio to date,” Hayden said.

Residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food items such as peanut butter, canned meats, fruits, and vegetables by their mailboxes. Glass items are not accepted. Volunteers and mail carriers will collect the food.

“We’re looking for everybody to put food out by their mailboxes on Saturday before noon, and the mail carrier will take care of the rest,” Hayden said.

All collected food stays local, benefiting food pantries in the community. Donations in specific areas, such as Defiance, Sandusky and Toledo, stay within those areas. In Toledo, donations go to the Seagate Food Bank.

Hayden emphasized the importance of participation, noting the stigma around food insecurity.

 “It’s not just homeless people; it’s our neighbors, people out of luck, those who had an accident and can’t work, or are running low on funds,” Hayden explained. “One in 10 people need food and have food insecurities. Community support is crucial,” he said.

This year’s goal is to collect 275,000 pounds of food. Hayden is optimistic.

“We’ve done it in years past, and we have had some adversities this year, but we’re looking to the community to help us out this year,” Hayden said. “Especially now, more than ever, with all the funding cuts this year, most of the food pantries have a greater need than usual.”