The Rockbridge Area Relief Association (RARA) will once again take part in the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 9.
Now in its 34th year, Stamp Out Hunger is the largest one-day food drive in the country. The nationwide effort is coordinated by the National Association of Letter Carriers, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association, and the U.S. Postal Service.
Postal workers from offices across Rockbridge County will collect donated canned and dry food items from residents and deliver them to RARA’s Neighborhood Grocery in both Lexington and Goshen, as well as Bridge to Hope in Buena Vista and the Natural Bridge/Glasgow Food Pantry.
Last year, the drive provided 3,500 pounds of food for RARA’s programs. With food insecurity continuing to rise, organizers are aiming to surpass that total this year.
Community members can participate by placing a bag of nonperishable food items by their mailbox before their regular mail delivery on Saturday. While all donations are appreciated, there is a particular need for items such as canned meats, soups, cereals, marinades and sauces, and health and hygiene products. Donors are asked to avoid glass containers for safety reasons.
Volunteers will assist with sorting and organizing donations at RARA on the day of the drive and in the following weeks. Those interested in helping can sign up at https://givepul.se/tg6tdk or call (540) 463-6943.
