Helping feed your neighbors in Galesburg this Saturday requires just one step — leave non-perishable food by your mailbox.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, the nation’s largest single-day food collection effort, takes place Saturday, May 9. Galesburg letter carriers will collect donations during their regular routes. The local goal this year is 12,000 pounds — up from nearly 10,000 pounds collected last year.
Galesburg’s Morning News previewed the drive Wednesday morning with Sarah and Russell Oberhake from the Galesburg Post Office, Katherine Seguino of FISH Food Pantry, and Rachel Crouch of Hy-Vee. Listen to the full interview below.
What to donate
FISH of Galesburg asks donors to stick to standard-sized items — no family-sized or individual/tiny portions. Preferred items include peanut butter, jelly, cereal, breakfast foods, soups, and pop-top cans that are easy to heat and eat. With summer approaching and more children home from school, easy-to-prepare meals are especially needed.
Hy-Vee grab bags
The Henderson Street Hy-Vee is offering themed grab bags at three price points, developed in partnership with the FISH Food Pantry. The $5 dinner bag includes Hamburger Helper or Tuna Helper, tuna, and mixed vegetables. The $10 lunch bag includes peanut butter, jelly, fruit snacks or pudding cups, and a loaf of bread. The $15 breakfast bag includes pancake mix, syrup, a dozen eggs, a gallon of milk, and cereal — including perishable items the pantry cannot accept from individual donors.
How to donate
Leave non-perishable items by your mailbox Saturday morning. Items can also be dropped off directly at the FISH Food Pantry or at the Hy-Vee van at the Henderson Street location.
As a bonus, donors who purchase a grab bag or drop off non-perishable items at the Hy-Vee van will receive a coupon for $2 off the Hy-Vee Mother’s Day brunch Sunday, May 10, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Adult brunch is $12.99; children 6-12 are $5.99; children 5 and under eat free.
