Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is May 13!

May 5, 2023

Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive is Saturday, May 13!

For the 31st year, the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) is excited to hold the traditional Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on Saturday, May 13.

 

Here in St. Cloud, the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive supports both Catholic Charities Emergency Services Food Shelf and Salvation Army Food Shelf. Bernick’s, Custom Catering by Short Stop and Kwik Trip are the business sponsors for the area food drive.

 

For more than a decade, this nationwide drive has annually collected more than 70 million pounds of food. Over the course of its history, the food drive has collected 1.4 billion pounds of food to help feed our neighbors.

 

Hunger exists in every community in our country. Today, 1 in 5 families in the United States experience food insecurity and rely on food donations. Here in our state, a record-breaking 5.5 million visits were made to Minnesota food shelves in 2022.

 

No one can grow, maintain good health or reach their full potential if they are hungry. A surprising number of our neighbors are doing something they never imagined: visiting a food shelf for the first time in their lives. This includes working families, children, seniors and post-secondary students.

 

Please join NALC on the second Saturday in May for the 31st annual Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the largest one-day food drive in the United States.


Participating is easy. Simply leave a bag of nonperishable food next to your mailbox on May 13, and your letter carrier will handle the rest. All donated food in the St. Cloud area stays within our community and helps Catholic Charities and Salvation Army food shelves.

 

Together, we can Stamp Out Hunger in America. Together with Catholic Charities, we can make a different tomorrow for Central Minnesotans experiencing food insecurity. Learn more at nalc.org/food-drive.

Our Recent News

Bryce's Pumpkins

By Brittany Hoversten • April 14, 2025
At Catholic Charities Emergency Services, we see countless acts of kindness every day, but a recent donation from a remarkable young man left a special mark on our hearts. On a chilly Friday afternoon, Bryce, a 17-year-old student at Albany High School, donated an impressive 860 pounds of squash. This generous gift highlights the power of community support, proving that even in challenging times, there is always hope. Bryce has grown his own pumpkins, squash, and gourds under the name Bryce Pumpkin’s, which has become known for fresh, locally grown produce. His efforts extend beyond growing, as he sells his harvest at farmers markets and even had a booth at the Made in Minnesota Expo in November, supporting local businesses and sustainable farming. What makes his story even more inspiring is how Bryce uses his success to give back. His donation will directly help families in need through our food shelf, which serves St. Cloud and surrounding areas. Bryce’s squash donation will be a vital part of our monthly food distribution, helping to provide nutritious meals to hundreds of families in our community. His gesture demonstrates not only a heart full of compassion but also the interconnectedness of local farmers, businesses, and families. When young people like Bryce step up, it’s a reminder that the future is well cared for. Bryce’s story proves that even small acts of kindness can grow into something truly transformative. Through donations like Bryce’s, we are able to provide food to those who need it most, including seniors on fixed incomes and single parents working multiple jobs. The connection between local farmers and organizations like Catholic Charities sustains our community and fosters hope for those struggling. Looking ahead to the upcoming growing season, we’re excited to see what other generous community members, like Bryce, will share. His efforts remind us that every small contribution adds up to something much bigger, and it’s not just about the food—we’re also strengthening our community and inspiring hope for all.

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A Day of Joy and Connection at Pond View Estates

By Brittany Hoversten • March 13, 2025
On Tuesday, January 28th, a group of students from Trex North School visited Pond View Estates in Albany, organized by Sandy Baldwin, group leader, and in collaboration with Catholic Charities in St. Cloud. Julie Ueland, the student advisor, helped oversee the project to ensure everything went smoothly. Pond View Estates is a Senior Dining Congregate Kitchen, where seniors gather to enjoy meals and socialize, making it a perfect environment for these students to connect with the residents. When the students arrived, the residents were delighted by the youthful energy and enthusiasm they brought. The students quickly got to work helping the seniors create Valentine’s cards before lunch. The atmosphere was filled with creativity and laughter as everyone worked together to make colorful and thoughtful cards. Afterward, the group enjoyed lunch together, where the dining hall was full of lively conversation. The students interacted with the seniors, hearing their stories and building new connections. The visit bridged generations, fostering meaningful and joyful interactions. The highlight of the day was the bingo game that followed lunch, where excitement filled the room as the numbers were called. Friendly competition brought plenty of laughs, especially when someone was just one number away from winning, only for another participant to grab the prize first. The fun, camaraderie, and shared moments left everyone smiling. A few standout interactions included Joseph and Riley spending time with resident Victor Tschida, and Tianna sharing a special moment with resident Ken Bunger. These connections highlighted the deep impact of intergenerational friendships. For many of the residents, the visit from the students was an unexpected but cherished experience, reminding everyone of the importance of making time for one another. It was a beautiful day of fostering community, connection, and kindness. As the students prepared to leave, there was a sense of fulfillment in the air. Not only had the day brightened the seniors' lives, but it also left a lasting impression on the students, who gained a deeper understanding of the joy and fulfillment that comes from spending quality time with others. The day ended with smiles, hugs, and promises to return, a reminder of how powerful and meaningful human connection can be.