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In November, NALC organized a Shut Down Hunger campaign. The initiative called on branches to make monetary donations to local food banks during the longest government shutdown in history. NALC committed to matching all donations that were submitted by Jan. 31, 2026.

There were 142 branches and state associations that donated $263,269 to food banks across the country. With NALC’s match, the Shut Down Hunger effort raised $526,538 for food banks nationwide. According to Feeding America, this amounts to 5.26 million meals for those in need.

Delivering to every neighborhood and community in the country, letter carriers know when people are struggling. That struggle heightened last fall as letter carriers continued working uninterrupted during the shutdown. In communities, letter carriers are often the first to notice when something is wrong and take action.

“When we saw the prolonged effects of the government shutdown, we knew we had to step up,” NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. “And we knew that if asked, our members would chip in to help those in need.

“I am extremely proud and appreciative of every single branch and state association that donated. Our results are remarkable and will undoubtedly have a lasting impact on communities across the country,” he added.

With the success of Shut Down Hunger behind us, preparations are well underway for this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive on May 9. Branches can register in the Members Only portal until March 20. For more information, click here.