Postal workers picking up food donations for pantry

Just as The Sun recently documented how rising food prices could put some Naperville families in a budget crunch, the Loaves and Fishes Community Pantry is asking residents to help.

Community members are asked to help those who can barely afford paying for a day's worth of food by donating 55,000 pounds of food to the charity this Saturday.

The community pantry will collect pasta, cereal, canned meat, canned vegetables and baby food starting at 9 a.m. Saturday as part of the 16th annual Letter Carriers' Food Drive. Those wanting to participate in the drive should place the food at their mailbox, where it will be picked up by a letter carrier.

"Last year was a bit of a down year, since we collected 30,000 pounds. Our highest ever was 55,000 pounds and we're going to shoot for that again," said Charles McLimans, executive director of the charity. "The other nice thing is, the Naperville post office carriers are giving a hand when they really didn't have to. By union rules, they are not obligated to pick up the items but will do so anyway."

McLimans said the community has done its part so far this fiscal year. The number of families being served by Loaves & Fishes Community Pantry is up 21 percent from last year, while food costs have increased about 30 percent and government subsidies are down about 30 percent, creating greater need for donations. For more information, call 630-355-3663.