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Postal workers, volunteers mobilize for Stamp Out Hunger food drive in Princeton
Summary
U.S. Postal Service representatives and local partners described logistics and volunteer needs for the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, aiming to restore pre-pandemic collection totals and noting rules on donated items.
U.S. Postal Service representatives and local partners briefed the Princeton City Council on the annual Stamp Out Hunger food drive, describing how carriers and volunteers will collect nonperishable food from porches on the second Saturday in May and deliver donations to the local food pantry.
Presenters said the drive has run nationally since 1993 and provided local figures: pre-pandemic collections reached about 31,000 pounds in the Princeton area; in 2023 collections were about 11,000 pounds and last year nearly 10,000 pounds. The local pantry reported serving over 5,000 individuals and covering 10 communities, with a particularly high need among seniors who sometimes must choose between food and medication.
Organizers described logistics changes because of the volume of packages now on carrier routes: additional volunteer vehicles will stage at the post office starting at 8 a.m. on collection day to collect and consolidate donations. Local businesses and volunteers provide trucks and drivers (presenters thanked Sullivan’s for donating collection bags, Yvette Carpet for use of a van, and Pat Riley of Screen Rentals for crew support). Volunteers are asked to leave sealed, nonperishable food on porches or curbs; organizers warned against perishable donations.
The presenters said the carrier union, the National Association of Letter Carriers, originated the drive and local postal staff coordinate with volunteer teams so carriers finish routes without incurring overtime. The pantry is recruiting volunteers to unload and process donations and said student service hours are available for senior students; volunteers will be provided snacks.
Organizers asked residents with trucks or time to meet at the post office at 8 a.m. on collection day; they said all donations are accepted if nonperishable. The presentation closed with thanks to carriers and partners and a request that residents spread the word so the community can move toward pre-pandemic collection levels.
