GOLDSBORO, N.C. — The annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, organized by the National Association of Letter Carriers, collected 6,660 pounds of nonperishable food on Saturday, May 9, to help support local food pantries and feeding programs across Wayne County.
Now in its 34th year, Stamp Out Hunger is recognized as the nation’s largest single-day food drive and serves as a critical effort to restock pantry shelves ahead of the summer months, when many families face increased food insecurity.
Residents across Goldsboro and Wayne County participated by leaving food donations near their mailboxes for pickup by letter carriers or by dropping items off at local post office collection sites.
Organizers had set a community goal of collecting 12,000 pounds of food this year. Although the drive fell short of that target, local food pantries estimate the donations collected will help provide assistance to approximately 500 families through local feeding programs and pantry services.
The effort received strong community support from volunteers throughout Wayne County. Volunteers from Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, students from Wayne County Public Schools, and local residents helped collect, unload, sort, and organize donations during the event. In total, 38 volunteers contributed hours of service to assist with distributing donations to local pantry partners.
Organizers also recognized returning community partners Goldsboro Builders Supply and Bekins Moving Solutions for providing logistical support for the annual drive.
“While we hoped to collect more food this year, every donation received will make a difference for local families facing food insecurity,” said Stacy Sinyard, Vice President of NALC Branch 876 and local food drive coordinator. “We are grateful to the residents, volunteers, businesses, students, and military personnel who came together to support this effort and help care for our community.”
Despite challenges in reaching this year’s goal, organizers said the drive once again highlighted the strong collaboration between residents, postal workers, schools, businesses, military personnel, volunteers, and nonprofit organizations working together to combat hunger in Wayne County.
United Way of Wayne County said it remains committed to partnering with community organizations to strengthen food access efforts and support local families facing hardship.
