Stamp Out Hunger a success in Warren County

VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Thousands of pounds of food will help stock local shelves and support families facing food insecurity following the annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive in West Central Mississippi.

Through a partnership between, the National Association of Letter Carriers, United Way of West Central Mississippi, and community partners, this year’s Stamp Out Hunger campaign collected 21,274 pounds of food across the region, equating to more than 10 tons of donated food for local families in need.

To put that into perspective, 10 tons weighs about the same as two adult African elephants, a fully loaded school bus or approximately four pickup trucks combined.

In addition to the Stamp Out Hunger totals, the Kimmy Melton Food Drive, collected an additional 8,386 pounds of food, further expanding the impact on families throughout the community.

Together, the two drives brought in nearly 30,000 pounds of food that will directly support multiple agencies and organizations serving individuals and families experiencing hunger across West Central Mississippi.

Food collected during the drives was distributed to several local organizations and agencies that provide food assistance and emergency support services throughout the area. The donations will help ensure shelves remain stocked as many families continue to face rising grocery costs and financial hardships.

Michele Connelly, Executive Director of United Way of West Central Mississippi said the success of the food drives highlights the power of collaboration between schools, volunteers, postal workers, nonprofits and community members.

“Food insecurity continues to affect families throughout our community every day,” said Michele. “The overwhelming support shown through Stamp Out Hunger and the Kimmy Melton Canned Food Drive demonstrates what can happen when a community comes together to care for its neighbors. Every can, every box of food and every volunteer hour made a difference.”

The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is the nation’s largest single-day food drive and is organized nationally by the National Association of Letter Carriers in partnership with United Way of West Central Mississippi and other organizations. Residents are encouraged each year to leave nonperishable food items near their mailboxes for letter carriers to collect and distribute to local food assistance programs.

Community volunteers also played a major role in unloading mail carrier trucks, sorting donations, weighing canned goods, and helping prepare food for distribution to local agencies.

Organizers expressed gratitude to the postal carriers, volunteers, students, school staff, businesses and community members who contributed to the effort.

“As food insecurity continues to impact working families, seniors and children throughout our region, partnerships like these are essential,” Alyssa Lick, Director of Marketing & Resource Development at United Way of West Central Mississippi said. “This food will help provide hope and relief to many families in the weeks and months ahead.”