Join the Nation’s Largest One-Day Food Drive: A Community Movement to Stamp Out Hunger
The clock is ticking down to one of the most impactful community events on the calendar. On May 10, 2025, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) will once again spearhead the nation’s largest one-day food drive, aptly named “Stamp Out Hunger.” Across the United States, this initiative has carved out a legacy of providing much-needed sustenance to millions facing food insecurity, and the Rio Grande Valley (RGV) is poised to play a significant part in this record-setting effort.
A Call to Action for Valley Residents
In collaboration with the Food Bank RGV, this event calls upon Valley residents to step up and contribute non-perishable food items, championing a community spirit that seeks to alleviate hunger locally. The leaders of this initiative, including Texas Border Business — the go-to informative platform for commerce in South Texas — have thrown their full support behind this cause, recognizing the lasting impact it holds for regional welfare.
RGV’s own Commissioner Sandra Lopez emphasized the critical importance of this food drive at a recent press briefing. “The battle against hunger is ongoing, and events like Stamp Out Hunger are vital in providing resources where they are needed most. We encourage every resident of the Valley to participate and help uplift our community,” she stated.
How to Get Involved
Participating is straightforward. Residents in cities such as Brownsville, Donna, Edinburg, Hidalgo, McAllen, San Juan, and Weslaco should have received specially marked brown paper bags from local letter carriers. Residents are encouraged to fill these bags with non-perishable food items and leave them by their mailboxes before 9 a.m. on May 10. Volunteers will then collect these contributions and deliver them to the Food Bank RGV for distribution to those in need.
Kimberly Ortega, Director at the Food Bank RGV, reflected on the power of this event saying, “Every single item donated can make a world of difference to a family in need. It’s more than food — it’s hope for a better community.”
Sponsors and Community Support
This year’s drive garners robust support from various local entities, underscoring the community-driven focus of the campaign. Sponsors including Beautiful Smiles Dentistry in Mission, Aissa I. Garza’s Law Office in McAllen, Bluebonnet Counseling in Edinburg, and the Rotary Club of Edinburg have made significant financial contributions to assist with logistics, such as printing the donation bags.
Despite these efforts, some residents may not receive an official bag. For those individuals, any bag suffices for donations as long as it is left visible to postal workers by the given time. Individuals in cities not participating in the drive can directly deliver their donations to the Food Bank RGV’s facilities. Moreover, financial donations are warmly accepted throughout the campaign’s duration.
Why It Matters: The Local Impact
Hunger remains a persistent issue across South Texas, with many families facing the challenge of putting food on the table. The “Stamp Out Hunger” drive extends much-needed support to alleviate these daily struggles. According to reports from the Food Bank RGV, the demand for aid has intensified, making events like these ever more critical. By participating, Valley residents can contribute directly to combating food insecurity in their own backyards.
Coordinators from Texas Border Business highlight how such community endeavors not only address immediate needs but foster a broader understanding of regional issues, encouraging more residents to get involved in ongoing and future initiatives for sustainable change.
Envisioning the Future
Looking beyond May 10, it is clear that continuous community engagement is imperative. Stephen Ramirez, a McAllen-based community organizer, pointed out the broader implications of the drive. “While the food drive is essential, it’s a starting point towards tackling the root causes of hunger and poverty in the RGV. We must stay committed to working towards structural improvements for long-term impact.”
As the Rio Grande Valley rallies together to support this nationwide endeavor, it is a reminder of the strength in unity and the significant impact a collective effort can achieve. Through the commitment and compassion of its residents, the Valley can make a substantial contribution to this essential cause, ensuring that no neighbor goes hungry.
Get Involved
For more information on participating in the “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive or to discover more about the continued efforts of the Food Bank RGV, residents are encouraged to visit the official website at foodbankrgv.com. Additionally, Texas Border Business remains an active resource for the latest regional news and community events, available through their website and a multitude of social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
In conclusion, the coming together of diverse community entities reflects the heart and resilience of the Valley, demonstrating that with concerted effort, remarkable things can be achieved. Let us take this opportunity on May 10 to “Stamp Out Hunger,” proving once again the power of community in action.
