North Kentucky News

Covington pantries are in desperate need of replenishing their shelves through the annual Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger event. Postal carriers are urging the community to participate by leaving donations of canned goods and non-perishable food items near their mailboxes this Saturday, May 11. The contributions will be collected and delivered to local nonprofits, including Be Concerned and Action Ministries in Covington.

Lura Bentley, a spokeswoman for Carriers Branch 374, emphasized the importance of this food drive, stating, "Food banks and pantries often receive the majority of their donations during the Thanksgiving and Christmas holiday seasons. By springtime, many pantries are depleted, entering the summer low on supplies."

Executive Director Andy Brunsman from Be Concerned echoed this sentiment, pointing out that the drive helps to fill the void left by summer break when schools are out and donations decrease. In 2023, Be Concerned assisted a record number of individuals and families, highlighting the increasing need for food assistance in the community.

With over 2,200 families seeking help each month at the pantry, the support from the Stamp Out Hunger event is crucial. The drive, organized by NALC Branch 374 in collaboration with the Safety Net Alliance of Northern Kentucky, aims to maximize services to low-income residents by working with various organizations and nonprofits.

Apart from Covington, other agencies benefiting from the food drive include Brighton Center and St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Newport, Pantry of Hope in Highland Heights, CARE Mission in Alexandria, and the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Northern Kentucky. Since its inception, the NALC Stamp Out Hunger event has collected approximately 1.9 million pounds of food nationwide for those in need.