Balcones Post Office to be recognized Wednesday for most food collected
AUSTIN, TEXAS – United States Postal Service letter carriers in the Austin area collected more than 105,000 pounds of food for the Capital Area Food Bank through Stamp Out Hunger, the nation’s one-day food drive led by the National Association of Letter Carriers.
Local letter carriers were able to surpass last year’s collection by 30,000 pounds, providing nearly 87,500 meals for Central Texans in need.
“The community really stepped up to the plate and helped bring in nearly 87,500 meals for our hungry neighbors,” said Hank Perret, Capital Area Food Bank CEO and President. “Each donation helps the Food Bank restock its shelves to assist people who turn to us in times of need.”
The United States Postal Service Balcones post office brought in about 14,110 pounds of food, more than any Austin-area post office. The station will receive special recognition at 7:30 A.M. Wednesday, May 20, at the USPS Balcones post office, 11900 Jollyville Road, in Austin.
Tom Billington, U.S. Postal Service Officer in Charge, said he is proud of how much the Austin post offices were able to accomplish this year through Stamp Out Hunger.
“Collecting more than 105,000 pounds in food is amazing and shows what we, as an organization, can do for our community,” Billington said.
Local residents were able to make a donation during Stamp Out Hunger on May 9 by filling up a donated H-E-B paper bag received in the mail with non-perishable items or by leaving donations at any post office or participating H-E-B site. Letter carriers then collected the bags left by the mailbox during their regular mail delivery for the Food Bank.
The annual food drive is held the Saturday before Mother’s Day and is slated to be held on May 8 next year.
About Capital Area Food Bank of Texas: The mission of Capital Area Food Bank of Texas (CAFB) is to nourish hungry people and lead the community in ending hunger. Founded in 1981, CAFB provides food and grocery products through a network of 300 Partner Agencies and nutrition programs, serving nearly 46,000 people every week. Headquartered in Austin, CAFB serves 21 counties in Central Texas, an area about twice the size of Massachusetts. For more information on CAFB and its programs, visit www.austinfoodbank.org.
