Stamp Out Hunger Helps Stateline Residents

ROCKFORD (WIFR) -- Millions of starving people are getting a pick-me-up from the mail man, many of whom live right in our area.

This year marks the 24th anniversary for Stamp Out Hunger. America's largest single-day food drive partnered with the United Way, mail men from the National Association of Letter Carriers, and the U.S. Postal Service to pick up our non-perishable food donations all day. The donations will be delivered to the Greater Rockford Pantry Coalition.

Since starting in 1993, the drive has collected 1.5 billion pounds of food.

"When we meet the customers they're eager to hand us their bags and it gives us a one-on-one opportunity to meet with a community and together help others," explains Kelli Ramos from the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Last year, Rockford donated more than 50,000 pounds of food. A recent hunger study found that about 15% of people living in Winnebago County do not have reliable access to food and nearly 75% of kids in our area don't qualify for nutrition programs.