Hunger in Oklahoma has risen 40 percent in the last four years. The Regional Food Bank provides food to more than 126,000 Oklahomans every week, especially to the working poor, seniors on fixed income, and children.

“Since 1993, letter carriers in central and western Oklahoma have collected more than 9.7 million pounds of food—the equivalent of more than 8 million meals—to feed our neighbors with inconsistent access to food,” said Angie Doss, director of Marketing and Communications Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma.

“This year’s food drive in Woodward will benefit the Woodward Community Pantry, Northwest Domestic Crisis Center, Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church, and Western Plains Youth and Family Services,” said Tommy Heath, longtime letter carrier in Woodward. “If your mail goes to a post office box instead of a home mail box, there will be a hamper in the front of the Post Office where you can take nonperishable food items (during working hours) on Saturday, May 13 or before.”

Everyone is encouraged to pick up a few extra items at the grocery store that can be donated to this food drive. Local letter carriers ask that everyone leave a plastic bag filled with canned food by your mailbox before your mail is picked up on Saturday, May 13. Then your letter carrier will do the rest.

“If you donated last year, we hope you will add a few more cans to your donation this year to make up for those who are no longer able to donate due to job loss or illness,” said Julie Gosdin, Oklahoma District Manager of the United States Post Office.

People also have the option of making a cash donation to local groups or make an online donation to the Regional Food Bank at www.feedinghope.org. Every dollar donated provides approximately of five meals.

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