POULSBO — Local postal carriers will participate in the National Association of Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger food drive May 11.

The national food drive, held annually on the second Saturday in May, benefits local food banks and Feeding America, the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization.

In 2012, Americans donated 70 million pounds of food — the ninth consecutive year that at least 70 million pounds were collected by letter carriers. “We’re asking people across the country for their support to make this year the most successful in the drive’s history,” said Fredric V. Rolando, association president.

“It’s so easy to make a donation: simply leave a bag of non-perishable food items by your mailbox to help neighbors in need. That’s all it takes.”

Campbell Soup Company and its partners are producing post cards and shopping bags that will be delivered to more than 75 million homes across the country as a reminder to participate in the drive. In addition, Campbell will again support this year’s food collection effort by donating one million pounds of food to Feeding America member food banks.

Locally, the need for food continues at a steadily increasing pace, with more than 5,000 individuals participating in North Kitsap Fishline’s food and emergency services in 2012.

“This time of year, our shelves are a little empty,”  said Mary Nader, executive director of Fishline.

“The donated food we receive now will help us provide for those who rely upon Fishline to feed their families and will carry us through for several months.”

Non-perishable food items that can be left for pickup include canned soup, canned vegetables, cereal, chili, pasta, peanut butter, and rice. Leave the items in a sturdy bag next to your mailbox before noon May 11. Fishline volunteers and letter carriers will collect food donations and deliver them to Fishline.

Go to www.helpstampouthunger.com for more information about the drive.