Postal Service looks to stamp out hunger

With the rising grocery costs and price of gas continuing to soar, many people in Caldwell County are forced to make the decision between basic needs and food.

To help alleviate the problem, Caldwell County letter carriers will collect non-perishable food donations during the 16th annual “Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.” The items will be delivered to the local organizations designated by the United Way, including Caldwell House, South Caldwell Christian Ministries, Yokefellow and the Lenoir Soup Kitchen.

The project is conducted by the National Association of Letter Carriers, and it is the largest one-day food drive in the nation. According Ken Miller, who's coordinating the drive locally, the event is an opportunity to give back. Nearly 70 million pounds of food was collected nationally during last year's drive.

“Letter carriers are in the community every day,” Miller said. “We see the need that is out there.”

Miller said he hopes the food drive will benefit the residents in the area who need it the most.

“The ultimate goal is to make a difference in the community,” Miller said. “What's being reflected in the literature I've read is that there are two groups affected by hunger - children and the elderly. Some of the families can't afford food and are having to make a choice, and when we don't eat properly we don't do as well in school and in our jobs. (Also) many of the elderly residents in the county on fixed incomes are having to choose between taking their medication or eating.”

Director Becky Barlow said the food drive helps South Caldwell Christian Ministries make it through the summer months.

“This is going to help us a lot,” Barlow said. “This is one of the things we count on every year. The cost of gas went up, and now people can't afford to buy food because they have to drive to work.”

Lenoir Soup Kitchen Director Angel Moretz said she hopes people will send as much as they are able to. The Lenoir Soup Kitchen serves anywhere from 70 to 100 plates of food a day and helped more than 23,500 people in 2007.

“Right now, we are low on donations as far as food items go,” Moretz said. “I know that times are hard for all of us, but if people (in the community) can share in giving, it would be wonderful.”

Director Bob Laws said Caldwell House serves nearly 20 people daily, and the organization relies on the kindness of the community to continue to help those in need.

“This community is very supportive of recovering addicts and alcoholics,” Laws said. “This town does a lot that people don't realize, and we appreciate it. We are a non-profit organization, so donations are what we live on.”

Yokefellow Director Harriet Hailey said she there is an ever-increasing demand for food in the community.

“Our pantry is getting low, and more people are coming in for help,” Hailey said. “The cost of food and gasoline keeps going up, and there is such a great need right now.”

Donations can include any canned food item, such as baked beans, fruit, potatoes and vegetables. Bulk canned food items that can be stored without refrigeration and other staple food items, including peanut butter, rice and macaroni and cheese, also will be useful. Other items of need include condiments, sugar, tea and baby formula. Homemade canned food, glass items and frozen food items will not be accepted.

“This is really going to be a trying time for all of us,” Barlow said. “We need (people) to donate as much as they can.”

To participate in the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, residents can put food donations in a bag and place them by their mailbox Saturday, May 10 prior to mail delivery.

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