Tomorrow, May 12 is set aside as Stamp Out Hunger 2012, a nationwide food drive sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers (NALC) and Campbell Soup Company.

Helping Stamp Out Hunger is as simple as checking your mailbox. If you leave a bag of non-perishable food where your letter carrier normally delivers your mail on Saturday, he or she will pick up and deliver the food to a local food bank.

Did you know peanut butter tops the list of items food pantries need and request?

• Peanuts and peanut butter contribute more than 30 essential vitamins and minerals.
• Based on the 2010 Dietary Guidelines for Americans, peanuts are an excellent source for children ages 1-13 and a good source of protein for adults.*
• Peanut butter tastes great.  Americans love the flavor, crunch and versatility of peanut butter.
• Peanut butter can be added to other foods easily, such as oatmeal, or alongside crackers or vegetables.
• Peanut butter is a smart choice when looking for a boost of protein in any meal.

Other non-perishable foods, such as canned soups, meats, vegetables and boxed goods also go a long way toward keeping your local food banks and pantries well-stocked.

The need to be involved in Stamp Out Hunger is as great as ever. The number of Americans living in food insecure home was nearly 49 million last year, and one in five of these people was a child, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s annual study measuring food security in the United States.

To learn more, visit www.facebook.com/StampOutHunger, or follow the drive at www.twitter.com/StampOutHunger.

* Based on the nutritional goals set by the Dietary Guidelines for Americans; Adults ages 18-50, Children ages 1-13.