4,000 Pounds of Food? That's What Farmington Mail Carriers Hope to Collect on Saturday

By Susan Schoenberger

Now in its 21st year, the Stamp Out Hunger food drive will take place on Saturday as mail carriers in Farmington and Unionville collect bags and containers left near mailboxes. Close to 4,000 pounds of food are anticipated.

While the drive is a national event with backing from the Campbell Soup Company, its benefits could not be more local, with all the food and items collected going to the Farmington Food Pantry.

"The Farmington food pantry relies entirely on volunteers and donations," pantry chairwoman Anne Oberg said. "The Stamp Out Hunger drive is especially important because it boosts inventory as we approach the summer months  when demand is especially high." 

The pantry — located in the Amistad Hall on the campus of First Church of Christ Congregational at 75 Main St. — serves about 180 local families.

To join in the effort, residents can leave a "sturdy bag containing non-perishable food or personal care items next to the their mailbox prior to the time of regular mail delivery on Saturday," according to a food drive press release.

The food pantry suggests healthy snacks for children as well as tuna, beans, rice, cereal, sauces for pasta, peanut butter, flour, sugar and whole oats. Personal care items such as shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes, shaving cream, soap and feminine hygiene products are also welcome.

To donate to the Farmington Food Pantry, to hold a food drive, to volunteer or to learn about services, email farmingtonfoodpantry@comcast.net or call 860-675-2390.