Saturday is time to ‘Stamp Out Hunger’

It’s easier than ever to help the hungry — and Saturday will make it as simple as leaving a bag of food beside your mailbox.

Or Odessans can choose to lend a hand to sort and pack all that food this food Saturday during the “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive.

“The West Texas Food Bank is needing your help this Saturday during the nation’s largest one day food drive. It takes a lot of volunteers to help us unload the letter carrier’s trucks, and we’re asking for your help. Volunteers will be needed at four different post office locations in Odessa and Midland,” Craig Stoker, West Texas Food Bank communications director, said.

From 2 to 5 p.m. this Saturday, the WTFB will take part in what is a nationwide food drive. “The whole area is encouraged to participate. All food raised from this event will go back out to the 19 counties we serve,” Stoker said.

He said residents can fill bags with nonperishable foods, preferably protein rich items like peanut butter, or canned meats like chicken or fish. Those bags are left for the postal carriers who will deliver them to the food bank. He said the food bank will not accept any foods in glass containers as the glass can break and create a hazard.

Libby Campbell, executive director, West Texas Food Bank, encourages all West Texans to lend a hand.

“Stamp Out Hunger is the largest one day food drive we have here in West Texas, and all the food raised will help your hungry neighbors. As we come into the busiest time of the year, this food drive helps make sure we keep the food bank full! With the kiddos not getting two meals a day in school, and with seniors on a fixed income facing higher rents and utilities, the West Texas Food Bank needs your help to make sure those who need the most help don’t go hungry this summer.”

This year’s event is the 26th annual Stamp Out Hunger drive. Residents will start receiving Stamp Out Hunger Bags in the mail by the end of the week. Those who do not receive a branded Stamp Out Hunger Bag can use a bag of their own.

If you leave a bag out for your letter carrier and it is not picked up, you may take it to your local post office, or take it to the West Texas Food Bank.

A post event food truck rally is planned at the offices of Sims and Guess Realtors. From 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday and food trucks and jumpers will be available. The WTFB will be on hand collecting food as well.

What To Do
  • What: Stamp Out Hunger food drive.
  • When: Saturday.
  • What to do: Contact the West Texas Food Bank to volunteer or donate by filling a bag with food items and leave it for your postal carrier.
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