Residents across Marion County collectively donated over 97,000 pounds of food during this year’s Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
Interfaith Emergency Services, a local organization that operates a food pantry and homeless shelter, reported the massive total shortly after the 2024 Letter Carriers’ Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive.
On Thursday, the organization reported that food had still been “steadily trickling in” and the total had eclipsed 97,095 pounds.
Much of the food has already been distributed into the homes of their clients, according to IES.
“God bless you, Ocala/Marion County, for stepping up,” reads a statement posted to social media by the organization.
The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive, which takes place annually on the second Saturday in May, is the nation’s largest “all-volunteer, one-day food collection” event.
For more information about IES, or to find out how to help support the local organization, visit Interfaith Emergency Services online.