The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, faced hurdles this year, gathering only 9,760 and not meeting the set goal of 15,000 pounds.

Despite not reaching the target, the dedication and community spirit were evident, with residents contributing by leaving donations at their mailboxes or designated drop-off points at the Berkeley and Downtown Post Offices.

Established in 1993, Stamp Out Hunger is the largest one-day food drive in the United States, designed to support local food pantries when supplies typically run low.

The event kicked off with encouraging words from local community leaders including Steve Heil of the Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Kimberly Haywood, from HGDC Community Crisis Center, Sherry Archibald, and Pilar Parks from United Way of Wayne County.

The drive saw participation from volunteers across the community, including individuals from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, UNC Health Wayne, and various local organizations who played a vital role in the collection, loading, and distribution of the donations.

Continued support came from local contributors such as Bekins Moving Solutions, UNC Health Wayne, and food donations from Krispy Kreme, Dunkin on Berkeley Blvd., and Panera Bread, showcasing strong community ties and ongoing commitment to helping those in need.

This year’s beneficiaries included The Community Soup Kitchen, The Salvation Army, HGDC Community Crisis Center, Hydrant Church, The Society of St. Vincent de Paul, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority’s child hunger initiative, and Pete Norris Ministries.

Over fifty volunteers served 271 hours cumulatively, and the food drive is estimated to provide meals or food boxes to over 3,000 families facing food insecurity in Wayne County.

Residents who were not able to participate on Saturday but want to donate may do so until Saturday, May 25, by dropping off their donations in bins located in the lobbies of the Downtown Post Office and Berkeley Post Office.