Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day is observed on the second Saturday in May. In 2026, it falls on May 9. This nationwide event is the largest single-day food drive in the United States, utilizing the vast network of the United States Postal Service to collect donations. Residents leave bags of non-perishable food by their mailboxes, and letter carriers pick them up during their regular mail routes to stock local food pantries.

See also: National Fast Food Day, Holiday Food Drive for the Needy Animals Day, National Sending Day, National Thank a Mail Carrier Day

History of Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

The initiative was officially launched in 1993 by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC). Before the national program began, various local branches of letter carriers had already been conducting informal food drives in their communities for several years. The success of these local efforts led the NALC, with support from the United States Postal Service and other labor partners, to establish a coordinated national day of giving to address the rising issue of food insecurity across the country.

Since its inception, the drive has expanded to include all 50 states, as well as Puerto Rico, Guam, and the Virgin Islands. Over three decades, the program has collected nearly 2 billion pounds of food. It has become a massive logistical operation involving tens of thousands of letter carriers and rural carriers, along with countless volunteers from local food banks who help sort and distribute the items. The event is timed specifically to replenish food supplies during the spring, which is a critical period for many families.

Why is Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day important?

This day is vital because it addresses a seasonal gap in food donations. Many people give generously during the winter holidays, but by May, those supplies often run low at local pantries. As the school year ends, many children lose access to free or reduced-price school breakfast and lunch programs, making the summer months particularly difficult for families struggling with food insecurity. The food collected on this day provides a necessary bridge to ensure children and seniors have access to nutritious meals throughout the warmer months.

The event also demonstrates the power of community cooperation and the unique role of the postal service. Because letter carriers travel every street in the country six days a week, they have direct access to almost every household, making it incredibly easy for citizens to donate. All food collected remains in the local community where it was donated, ensuring that neighbors are directly helping neighbors. This local impact strengthens community bonds and provides immediate relief to area food banks that might otherwise be empty.

• It helps stock local food pantries before the high-demand summer season.
• The drive provides meals for children who lose access to school lunch programs.
• It offers a simple way for every household in the country to participate in charity.
• Donations stay within the local community to help nearby families in need.
• It raises national awareness about the ongoing problem of food insecurity.

How to Celebrate Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day

The most effective way to participate is by preparing a bag of non-perishable food items to leave by your mailbox. Ideal donations include canned proteins like tuna or chicken, canned fruits and vegetables, pasta, cereal, and peanut butter. It is important to check that items are not expired and to avoid glass containers, which can break during transport. Simply place the bag near your mailbox before your letter carrier arrives on Saturday morning.

You can also support the drive by volunteering at your local food bank or post office. On the day of the drive, many locations need extra hands to help unload trucks, weigh the food, and sort it into categories for distribution. If you are unable to provide physical food, many NALC branches also accept financial donations that allow food banks to purchase fresh produce and dairy. Spreading the word to neighbors or on social media ensures that more people remember to set out their bags, increasing the total amount of food collected.

• Place a sturdy bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox by 9 a.m.
• Donate high-protein items like canned meats or nut butters for maximum impact.
• Volunteer at a local food warehouse to help sort the incoming donations.
• Check with your local post office to see if they need help with collection.
• Remind friends and family to participate through a quick message or call.

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day Dates Table