Across Minnesota, people are planning fishing trips and spending time with loved ones for Mother’s Day weekend. Another way to thank moms for everything that they do, is by donating food to families who may be struggling. The National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) are bringing back their nationwide food drive, Stamp Out Hunger. This event hasn’t happened since before the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Community-based researchers who evaluate local food shelves, are reporting one in five households in Duluth are faced with food insecurity. Several community partners like Chum, Head of the Lakes United Way, and Union Gospel Mission are collaborating with letter carriers this nationwide food drive.

George Rennan is the Stamp out Hunger Food Drive Chair with the NALC. He says food staples like peanut butter, cereal, dried fruits, protein bars are critical, yet often missing from donation bins.

“We’re asking for the city. We’re asking them if they can put out food. If they could put out food, that can help everyone that we have in the city,” Rennan said. “It’s Mother’s Day this Sunday. I know you’re going to be really busy. There’s also other mothers that could use mother help.”

One in four Minnesota households with at least one child under 18 years old have food insecurity. That’s based on a 2024 statewide hunger survey by Second Harvest Heartland and Wilder Research. April Ledoux leads the Chum Food Shelf Distribution Services. Ahe says this weekend’s food drive is critical for low-income families provide food for their children.

“We went through 31,819 pounds of food last year. Within one year, we’re at 45,950. We went from 855 families to over a thousand. So every little bit is going to help,” Ledoux said. “I’ve been that single mom with three kids struggling, trying to survive, trying to find what food bank can help me the most to put a meal on the table. So right now for this, it’s huge.”

The USDA released a report saying prices rose more than 23% from 2019. Sara Niemi, the Head of the Lakes United Way President says in St. Louis County alone, 16% of households live in poverty and rely on food shelves.

“While this drive makes a real difference and immediate help, solving hunger takes more than one event. Let’s not wait for someone else to solve this problem,” Niemi said. “As grocery prices continue to rise and household budgets are stretched thinner and thinner, our food shelves will continue to see increased demand. The need doesn’t go away after Saturday. That’s why we’re inviting you, not just today, but in the weeks and months ahead, to connect with your local food pantry. Ask what they need. Donate if you can. Volunteer if you are able. Because hunger is not a distant issue, it’s here.”

Here’s how you can help this weekend. Place a box or bag of non-perishable food next to your mailbox before 9am on Saturday. Then your letter carrier will take care of the rest. US Post Office workers and volunteers will ensure the food is sorted, and delivered to local food banks. Finally they will be distributed to whoever can benefit.

If a food donation is challenging, you can make out a check donation to NALC Branch 114. Then drop it off at your local post office, or mail it at NALC Branch 114, P.O. Box 16583 Duluth, MN 55816.