SWFL collects more than 400,000 pounds of food during ‘Stamp Out Hunger’ drive

LEE COUNTY, Fla.- Residents donated 401,478 pounds of food during the 23rd annual National Letter Carriers Food Drive last week.

The “Stamp Out Hunger” is the largest one-day food drive for the food bank. As a lead recipient, the Harry Chapin Food Bank received 248,430 pounds of food to distribute to its partner agencies.

In Lee County, 250 Harry Chapin Food Bank volunteers sorted donated food at seven collection points, and several more volunteers helped letter carriers collect food left by mailboxes on various routes.

“We are so thankful to the letter carriers, the U.S. Postal Service, United Way and the community for their tremendous support. In one day, they came together and made an exceptional contribution to the fight against hunger during the difficult summer season,” said Al Brislain, Harry Chapin Food Bank President and CEO.

Those who were not able to participate in the food drive may still do so by taking nonperishable food items to the Harry Chapin Food Bank warehouse in Fort Myers. Checks can also be made payable to the Harry Chapin Food Bank and sent to 3760 Fowler St., Fort Myers, FL  33901.

The Harry Chapin Food Bank helps families in need through a network of 150 nonprofit agencies in Lee, Collier, Hendry, Charlotte and Glades counties that provide food to more than 30,000 people monthly. Over 1 million pounds of food are distributed by the Harry Chapin Food Bank monthly.  For each $1, the food bank can distribute $6 worth of food and supplies.

For additional information about or to contribute financially to the Harry Chapin Food Bank, contact 239-334-7007 or go to harrychapinfoodbank.org.