By SALINA POST
The local Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive surpassed its goal this year.
According to information from Karen Couch, director of the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank, 20,570 pounds of food was collected during the drive May 13.
“The generosity of this community is just astounding,” Couch said. “With more and more families using our pantry to supplement what they can afford at the grocery store, every donated box, bottle and bag of food becomes more meaningful.”
For more than 30 years, local members of the National Association of Letter Carriers have participated in a national effort to collect food for those in need. They joined forces with local volunteers on May 13 to collect and process thousands of blue bags filled with donated food and hygiene items for the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank.
According to information from Couch, groups of volunteers scoured the city helping the letter carriers pick up the donations. Additionally, volunteers at the Salina Post Office helped unload the bags collected as the mail trucks came in. More than 50 volunteers at the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank donated at least 173 hours to help staff work through the piles of food.
Voluteers had access to snacks, water, sports drinks, and box lunches provided by Chik-fil-A.
Feeding more than 600 people a week on average, the Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank will be able to share the 20,570 pounds collected with families in need of support this summer, Couch noted.
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Photo courtesy Salina Emergency Aid Food Bank Facebook page.