Food Donations Needed for Letter Carriers’ Food Drive May 11, 2013

~Stamp Out Hunger Drive Should Result in Major Donations to Food Pantry~

The annual Letter Carriers’ Food Drive, Stamp Out Hunger, will take place on Saturday, May 11th. On that day, Wakefield residents are asked to leave a bag or box of non-perishable food by their mailbox. Letter carriers will pick up the food on their postal routes and deliver it that afternoon to the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry (WIFP).  The need for food assistance has been growing due to higher unemployment and a difficult economy. 

The Food Pantry served 439 local households to date with an average of 390 visits to the pantry each month.  According to Maureen Miller, half of the families who come to the pantry are employed but unable to make ends meet with current salaries and the other half of are unemployed due to disability or retirement. “That’s why this particular food drive is critical to filling up our shelves to help serve our neighbors in need,” she said.

The WIFP also needs volunteers to help with this drive especially on Saturday, May 11^th between 2:00 pm and 6:00 pm. To volunteer, please sign up online at the WIFP website: www.wifoodpantry.org, or email: volunteer@wifoodpantry.org.

You can learn more about Stamp Out Hunger at the website:  www.helpstampouthunger.com.

Information about the Wakefield Interfaith Food Pantry is available at: www.wifoodpantry.org.  Be sure to “friend” us on Facebook to get news on a regular basis!

While all non-perishable foods are welcome, donations of the following items would be most beneficial:

 Protein Group

Canned tuna, salmon, sardines, chicken, ham
Canned chili, beef stew, baked beans
Peanut butter

Fruit & Vegetable Group
Canned fruit
Dried fruit
Canned vegetables, especially corn and green beans
Diced tomatoes
Pasta sauce

Pasta & Cereal Group

All kinds of pasta.
A variety of cereals.

Milk Group & Miscellaneous Needs
Shelf Stable milk
Jelly and jams
Reusable shopping bags

Please note that the Pantry cannot accept any food items that are opened or past their expiration dates or canned goods with dents and rust.