On Saturday, May 10, you can make a difference in your community. That’s the day of the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) 22nd Annual Food Drive — the largest single-day collection of canned goods in the nation.

Between now and then, think about individuals who are less fortunate and buy some extra non-perishable food items — peanut butter, canned soup, canned meats and fish, canned vegetables, fruits and juices, boxed goods (such as cereal), and pasta and rice — the next time you’re at the grocery store.

On Saturday, May 10, help “stamp out hunger.” Leave your bag of donated food items at your mailbox for your city or rural letter carrier to pick up. All donated goods will be brought back to the Post Office and/or to a local charity for sortation to benefit the hungry in your community.

The need for food donations is great. Currently, 49 million Americans — 1in 6 — are unsure where their next meal is coming from. Sixteen million are children who feel hunger’s impact on their overall health and ability to perform in school. And nearly five million seniors over age 60 are food insecure, with many on fixed incomes often too embarrassed to ask for help.