NEWPORT--The Annual Letter Carriers' Food Drive is set for Saturday, May 9. Local residents are encouraged to leave non-perishable food items in a bag either hanging from their mailbox or set inside their mailbox.
National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) Coordinator Greg Howk, who delivers mail inside the Newport City limits, is asking for the community's support for the event this year.
"With the higher unemployment rates and the current economic situation, we need the community's support more than ever," he said. Howk said there is an increased need in the community for assistance from food banks, so there is an increased need for the community's support.
"All of the food collected will be distributed here in Cocke County. There is definitely an increased need for assistance because of the increase in unemployment," he explained. "Please help your neighbors. We cannot feed the hungry without the community's support."
He said the group fell short of last year's goal. He said it is detrimental to reach this year's goal of 18,000 pounds of food.  Food collected will be delivered to the BreadBasket for distribution.
Everyone is encouraged to place non-perishable food items in a bag hanging from their mailbox or inside their mailbox for their mail carrier to collect.
He explained bags placed at the base of a rural mailbox post could be difficult for some rural carriers to access. "There could be some difficulty for carriers to get out of the car and collect donations left on the ground in rural areas," he explained.
BreadBasket Director Phil Ruch said the food drive is needed and is greatly appreciated by the local food ministry.He explained usually enough food is collected from this food drive to help BreadBasket make it to fall, when organizations have holiday food drives.
"When this food drive is successful, BreadBasket spends less money on acquiring food for our clients," he said. "We must still buy some perishable foods, such as meats, but this food drive helps with the non-perishables, such as canned vegetables."
He said during the last two years there has been a 25 to 30 percent increase in the number of people visiting the food pantry.
"So there is definitely a greater need," he said. "And, every item collected will be distributed here in Cocke County."
"This food drive is a fantastic thing and we at BreadBasket truly appreciate it. We are able to provide food to the less fortunate because of the wonderful generosity of the people here in Cocke County," said Ruch. "We thank everyone for their support."