Over the past several years rural carriers across America have volunteered to join the NALC to collect food in over 10,000 cities and towns in all 50 states in an effort to “Stamp out Hunger” for needy families, to include children and the elderly. While the NRLCA fully supports this worthwhile cause and has become a full partner with the NALC, each year there appears to be a misunderstanding on specific situations that occur as a result of the food drive.
First and foremost each year we are asked if participation in the food drive by a rural carrier is voluntary. The answer is emphatically yes, participation is voluntary. Although participation in the food drive is voluntary, the NRLCA encourages carriers to participate in this worthwhile cause.
Now with the addition of May DPS Flat special mail count, additional questions have surfaced, specifically about whether the food drive cards would be credited during a mail count. Does the carrier have to deliver the food drive cards if they are not volunteering to collect the food? Who determines if a route will receive the food drive cards?
The attached letter from the Postal Service clearly states their position and hopefully will answer the questions raised and help clear up any confusion in the field.
See link to see the response from the Postal Service..Food Drive-May_5_2011.
