Events and Activities : HACAP Food Reservoir Seeks Food Donations for Stamp Out Hunger

Saturday May 14, 2011 is the annual NALC Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive. It is the largest one-day food drive in the Cedar Rapids area. The NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers) Food Drive Stamp Out Hunger occurs across the nation and has been significant in alleviating hunger in America.

Residents are asked to place non-perishable (non-glass) items at their mail box Saturday before their mail arrives. The letter carrier or volunteers will pick up the food when the mail is dropped off.

Food will be distributed to those in need within Benton, Cedar, Iowa, Johnson, Jones, Linn and Washington Counties. According to HACAP Food Reservoir Program Manager Barb Elsasser, “There are over 54,000 East Central Iowans suffering from hunger. This is the easiest way to help out our neighbors in need.”

Last year, the event raised 58,000 pounds of food.

Stamp Out Hunger is a collaborative effort between the NALC (National Association of Letter Carriers, United Way of East Central Iowa and HACAP Food Reservoir.

The HACAP Food Reservoir provides food and grocery products as well as hunger education to over 100 non-profit organizations that assist hungry individuals in need of food assistance. Last year, the Food Reservoir distributed over 1.8 million pounds of food within a seven county service area in East Central Iowa though Operation BackPack, HACAP service centers, local churches and other organizations. The Food Reservoir is a member of the Iowa Food Bank Association and Feeding America.