A local chance to 'stamp out hunger'

Sierra Marling, Richmond Register, Ky.
·2 min read

May 8—Richmond's chance to participate in the nation's largest one-day food drive has arrived once again.

Cindy Tyra, the Hunger Coordinator at the Madison County Food Bank, says she has been participating in the National Association of Letter Carriers' annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive for 12 years.

Simply leave your donation of non-perishable food in a bag near your mailbox on the second Saturday in May, and your letter carrier will do the rest.

"It's been a vital lifeline for many families here in Madison County," she remarked.

At the heart of the program lies a simple yet powerful mission: to provide food for those at risk of going hungry.

According to Tyra, thousands of local families rely on the support offered by initiatives like this.

With approximately 2.5 million children nationwide facing food insecurity, Stamp Out Hunger plays a crucial role in addressing this pressing issue.

"We have participated in food assistance to over 21,000 families in the past year alone, which does not include over 120 Seniors (60 or older) each moth that we assist through the CSFP (Commodity Supplemental Food Program) vital to participants' food security, nutrition and health each month," noted Tyra.

The need for such initiatives has only grown in recent years. Rising food prices, escalating housing costs, and unstable job markets have pushed many families to rely on food assistance.

"We see it in the news every day," Tyra said. "We see it in the news everyday—a rise in the absolute number of hungry people displaced from their homes because of violence, conflict, persecution, and incarceration than any other time since the Second World War."

That's why for Tyra and her team, the goal is not just to meet the demand but to exceed it, ensuring that no one in their community goes hungry.

"In the year before the COVID epidemic we collected over 40,000 pounds of food.. we would like to reach even more pounds this year," she remarked.

As the drive kicks off, residents are encouraged to donate any non-perishable food items they can spare. From canned goods to pasta, every contribution makes a difference in the lives of those in need.