The United States Postal Service and National Association of Letter Carriers will mark the 24th anniversary of the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 14.

Each year on the second Saturday in May, letter carries across the country collect nonperishable food donations from customers. The donations go directly to local food pantries to provide for families in need.

Last year over 71 million pounds of food was collected nationally. The drive has collected over one billion pounds of food in its 23-year history.

Those wishing to participate may simply leave a nonperishable food item in a bag by their mailbox on Saturday, May 14, and letter carriers will collect it.

The timing of the food drive is crucial because food banks and pantries receive the bulk of their donations around the fall and winter holidays. By springtime many pantries are depleted, and enter the summer with low supplies when many school and lunch programs are not available to children in need.