May 19, 2026:
On Saturday, May 9, 2026, letter carriers across South Dakota collected thousands of pounds of food as part of Stamp Out Hunger – the nation’s largest single-day food drive. Organized annually by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC), this critical initiative helps fill the shelves of food banks, pantries, and meal programs across the state, including Feeding South Dakota.
“Stamp Out Hunger provides much needed resources,” said Jennifer Stensaas, Community Engagement Manager at Feeding South Dakota. “Hunger continues to affect thousands of our neighbors, and we’re so grateful for how the letter carriers continue to engage in this annual event.”
From Sioux Falls to Rapid City, and across rural routes, residents placed non-perishable food items next to their mailboxes for carriers to collect while delivering mail throughout the day.
“This day is the highlight of my year,” said Eric Wicks, letter carrier and local NALC food drive coordinator. “Being able to help – right on our routes – means everything.”
Letter carriers collected a generous donation:
- Rapid City: 13,900 pounds collected
- Sioux Falls: 45,526 pounds collected
- Donations totaling $1,570 were received by Feeding South Dakota
“We serve these communities every day, and we see the challenges people are facing. Every pound of food helps.” said Wicks.
Donated food items are an important part of Feeding South Dakota’s inventory, and are used to fill the shelves of local pantries across the state. The results of this year’s drive will help the organization provide more than 54,000 meals.
“It really shows the impact that can be made through this way of giving,” Stensaas said. “I hope others build on this momentum and organize a food drive at their workplace, church, or in their neighborhood so that we can serve even more of our our neighbors facing hunger.”
To learn more about hosting a food drive visit the Ways to Give page at www.feedingsouthdakota.org.
May 8, 2026:
The National Association of Letter Carriers is holding its annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Saturday (May 9, 2026).
Customers should leave their non-perishable food donations in a bag near their mailbox Saturday before their letter carrier arrives. Donations will support food banks, pantries, and meal programs– including Feeding South Dakota.
Feeding South Dakota CEO Matt Gassen says with the increasing need at food pantries statewide, drives like this one ensure local food pantry shelves remain full throughout the year. He says all food donations will stay in the communities where they are collected.
While all non-perishable donations are welcome, foods that are high in protein such as canned tuna, salmon, beans and peanut butter are most needed. Canned fruits and vegetables, whole grain, low sugar cereals, macaroni and cheese dinners and 100% fruit juice also top the list of most needed items.
Comments