People traveling through Norwood in early May may notice an unusual sight by residents’ mailboxes; grocery bags. No, it’s not the result of a major online shopping spree. Instead, it’s part of a powerful national effort to fight hunger.

On Saturday, May 9, rain or shine, Norwood will once again take part in the 33rd Annual Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” Food Drive. Each year, on the second Saturday in May, residents are encouraged to leave clearly marked bags of non-perishable food by their mailbox. Local mail carriers then collect the donations along their regular delivery routes and deliver them to the Norwood Food Pantry.

The event is the largest one-day food drive in the country, offering an easy and impactful way for residents to support neighbors in need, right from their own homes.

The timing of the drive is intentional. By mid-spring, many food pantries begin to feel the strain after the influx of donations during the holiday season has diminished. This drive helps restock shelves at a critical time. In fact, many residents may have noticed that Project Bread held their 58th Annual Walk for Hunger on May 3, on the Boston Common.

The Norwood Food Pantry is currently requesting a variety of essential items, including canned soups, cereals, canned fruits, hearty meal options like beef stew and chili, white or box rice mixes, pasta, macaroni and cheese, spaghetti sauce, and coffee or tea. Additional staples such as tuna, boxed pasta, instant mashed potatoes, peanut butter, canned beans, pasta, or vegetables, jams/jellies, crackers, cookies/snacks, pudding or gelatin, and canned chicken.  

Beyond food, the pantry also welcomes items like pet food and basic hygiene products, including diapers, detergent, shampoo, deodorant, and toothpaste.

All donations must be new, unopened, and in good condition, as expired or opened items cannot be accepted due to health and safety regulations.

Norwood joins more than 10,000 communities nationwide participating in this effort. What began as a small pilot program in 1991 quickly expanded into a national campaign. By its first nationwide drive in 1993, more than 11 million pounds of food were collected in a single day-a record at the time. Since then, nearly 1.9 billion pounds of food have been donated through this initiative.

Every contribution, big or small, makes a difference. Residents are encouraged to take a few moments to gather items from their pantry, place them in a bag, and leave them by their mailbox on the morning of May 9.

Supporting neighbors facing food insecurity can be as simple as sending a letter, only this time, it delivers nourishment and hope.

The Norwood Ecumenical Food Pantry is located behind Grace Episcopal Church at 150 Chapel Street. Direct donations are accepted Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 noon, as well as at donation bins inside Norwood Stop & Shop. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger or www.norwoodpantry.org.