When you grab your cards and magazines from your mailbox, consider replacing them with a canned food item for your local food pantry. Mail carriers across the country will support their local food pantries through the Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which officially takes place May 9.

The event is held in conjunction with the United States Postal Service, the National Rural Letter Carriers’ Association and United Way.

Last year, more than 14,000 pounds of food was collected in the Sturgeon Bay area and another 500 pounds in Fish Creek. Longtime organizer Darrell LeCloux says the food drive comes at an important time for food pantries, which are struggling to keep their shelves stocked for those they serve.

While the official date is May 9, LeCloux encourages residents to put food out for their letter carrier sooner rather than later. Space constraints can limit what carriers can collect along their routes, especially if they have a lot of packages to deliver. Donations can also be dropped off at local post offices.

All donations will stay local. Food collected in Sturgeon Bay will benefit Feed My People Door County, Lakeshore CAP, Sturgeon Bay Community Church Pantry and Holy Name of Mary Church pantry in Maplewood.