All you have to do to participate is leave non-perishable food items near your mailbox on May 14 and your letter carrier will pick it up along his/her normal route that day. In Southeastern Connecticut, the food is then delivered to the Gemma E. Moran United Way/Labor Food Center in New London. The towns taking part this year are: Norwich, Mystic, Groton, New London, Waterford, Pawcatuck, Colchester, and Uncasville.

Last year, food collected locally amounted to more than 76,000 pounds. After delivery, the food is sorted and distributed to more than 60 free food sites in our community including shelters, food pantries, community meal sites, programs for the elderly, and day care centers.

Currently needed items at the Food Center that would make excellent donations are: macaroni and cheese, dry pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned soups, canned vegetables, canned tuna, peanut butter, and fruit juice.

The NALC food drive is sponsored by United Way, the U.S. Postal Service, and Teamsters Local 493.