The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, held on Saturday, May 9, collected an estimated 25 tons of nonperishable food across St. Johns County to support local families facing food insecurity.
The nationwide initiative organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) brought together residents, volunteers and mail carriers in a coordinated effort to fight hunger locally. Across neighborhoods throughout the county, thousands of households left food donations by their mailboxes, creating one of the largest single-day food collection efforts in the region.
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties served as the local coordinating partner, working alongside postal carriers and community volunteers to ensure all donations were quickly sorted and distributed to local food pantries and partner agencies.
“This is what community in action looks like,” said Carl F. Cricco III, president and CEO of United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties. “From every doorstep donation to every volunteer hour in sorting and distribution, this effort reflects a shared commitment to making sure no family in our community goes hungry.”
The success of this year’s drive was powered not only by donors, but also by dozens of volunteers who gathered on the event day to sort, organize and distribute food across the region.
Volunteers from St. Johns County Fire Rescue Cadets, First Coast YMCA, among others, joined community members in helping move donations quickly into the hands of local food pantries serving individuals and families in need. Their efforts ensured food reached local pantries efficiently and helped support neighbors facing food insecurity across the region.
The 25 tons of food collected this year will directly support food banks and partner agencies throughout St. Johns County, helping to strengthen food security for thousands of residents.
Since its inception, Stamp Out Hunger has become the nation’s largest single-day food drive, collecting more than 1.9 billion pounds of food nationwide. Locally, the continued generosity of residents has created a lasting impact year after year, reinforcing a strong network of support for neighbors in need.
United Way of St. Johns and Putnam Counties served as the local coordinating partner alongside the National Association of Letter Carriers’ local union, NALC Branch 689, working together to ensure all donations were quickly sorted and distributed to local food pantries and partner agencies.
