STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY

May 8, 2026May 6, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

The second Saturday in May is the largest one-day food drive in the nation named Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive Day. How is it possible? It occurs in more than 10,000 cities and towns, and the food is collected by those men and women carrying our mail across the country. Make sure to participate May 11, 2024.

As they deliver to you mail order parts, bills, and postcards, you get to do your part by filling their mailbag with non-perishable food donations.

Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor, 2.25 Ounce (Pack of 12)#StampOutHungerFoodDrive — Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor, 2.25 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Quaker Instant Oatmeal, 4 Flavor Variety Pack, Individual Packets, 48 Count#StampOutHungerFoodDrive — Maruchan Instant Lunch Chicken Flavor, 2.25 Ounce (Pack of 12)

Over the last 20 years, one billion pounds of food has been delivered by this drive which is sponsored by the National Association of Letter Carriers. The letter carriers representing the NALC receive help from rural letter carriers, other postal employees, and other volunteers. The Stamp Out Hunger Food Drive has received a number of accolades over the years, including two Presidential Certificates of Achievement.

NATIONAL STAMP OUT HUNGER FOOD DRIVE DAY HISTORY

The Stamp out Hunger Food Drive started in October 1991 as a pilot program. After the initial success of the drive that took place in ten cities across the country, the program was moved to the spring. Food banks during this time of year struggle to meet demand as contributions dwindle after the holiday season.

HOW TO OBSERVE #StampOutHungerFoodDriveDay

Volunteer your time at your local post office to sort food gathered for the largest one-day food drive. Visit either of the following sites for more information on how to participate: www.nalc.org or www.usps.com. Leave non-perishable food items for your postal carrier to collect and deliver to food pantries as part of the drive. Drop off items at your local post office. Use #StampOutHungerFoodDrive to show your support for this worthy cause!

Bear Creek Soup Mix, Creamy Potato, 10.5 Ounce#StampOutHungerFoodDrive — Bear Creek Soup Mix, Creamy Potato, 10.5 Ounce

Sweet Sue Chunk White Chicken in Water, 5 oz Can (Pack of 24) - 11g Protein per Serving - Gluten Free, Keto Friendly - Great for Snack, Lunch or Dinner Recipes#StampOutHungerFoodDrive — Bear Creek Soup Mix, Creamy Potato, 10.5 Ounce

NATIONAL ARTICHOKE HEARTS DAY

March 15, 2026February 3, 2026Jensperspectiveblog 1 Comment

On March 16th, National Artichoke Hearts Day offers a tasty option to add flavor to any dish.

According to the California Artichoke Advisory Board, artichokes are a good source of antioxidants, vitamin C, folate, and magnesium. The antioxidants in artichokes are very good for your liver and help promote healthy skin. Artichokes are also high in fiber, calcium, and protein while low in calories. These reasons, plus being fat-free and cholesterol-free, make artichokes a healthy and delicious food to celebrate!

The total antioxidant capacity of an artichoke flower head is one of the highest reported for vegetables.
The fleshy base of the artichoke is perhaps the most enjoyably edible part of this oddly-shaped vegetable.
California is known as the artichoke capital of the world. They supply nearly 100% of North American fresh artichokes.

While artichokes may be a little difficult to prepare, you can find artichoke hearts packed in vinegar, oil, or marinade. Don’t let the artichoke heart fool you. They’re more versatile than they seem. Eat them as a snack or add them to dips or sauces. They also make excellent toppings on pizzas and flatbread. Toss them into the skillet for a savory sauté or infuse them into a broth. Artichoke hearts just might turn into a healthy addition to your cooking routine!

Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

Easy Artichoke Cookbook: 50 Delicious Artichoke Recipes#ArtichokeHeartsDay — Heart of the Artichoke and Other Kitchen Journeys

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HOW TO OBSERVE #ArtichokeHeartsDay

Pick up some fresh artichokes or canned artichoke hearts to make your favorite recipes. You can even test out a few new recipes with friends and family. Be sure to save and share your best ones. We offer a few techniques for you to try with your artichoke hearts, too.

Roast artichoke hearts with your potatoes and carrots. Season them lightly with olive oil and salt and pepper.
Try grilling fresh artichoke hearts for a smoky addition to your meal.
Create an artichoke salad or an artichoke dressing.
Make an artichoke heart and grilled cheese sandwich with smoked provolone.
Warm-up with this Lemony Artichoke Soup.
Another hearty recipe is this Artichoke Hearts Gratin.
Make a variety of dips and sauces, too.

Use #ArtichokeHeartsDay to post on social media.

NATIONAL PEARS HELENE DAY

March 14, 2026March 13, 2026Jensperspectiveblog Leave a comment

On March 15th, National Pears Hélène Day celebrates a food holiday about the delicious, smooth French dessert combining warm poached pears, vanilla ice cream, and chocolate sauce.

Pears Hélène is a dessert made from pears poached in sugar syrup and served with vanilla ice cream, chocolate syrup, and crystallized violets. Around 1864, French Chef Auguste Escoffier created the dessert in honor of the operetta La belle Hélène by Jacques Offenbach.

Over time, Pears Hélène simpler versions have been developed by substituting poached pears with canned pears and the delicate crystallized violets have been replaced with sliced almonds. These modifications have made it easier for more cooks to prepare this must-have dessert.

FUN PEAR FACTS:

There are more than 3,000 varieties of pears grown in the world.
Washington, Oregon and Northern California grow more than 95% of the pears sold in the United States.
California grows 60% of all Bartlett pears in the United States.
Pears ripen best off of the tree.
They are an excellent source of Vitamin A and Vitamin C as well as copper, fiber, and potassium.
Pears are less allergenic than many other fruits.

HOW TO OBSERVE #NationalPearsHeleneDay

Prepare a recipe of Pears Hélène. Add it to an elegant evening or make it to simply enjoy and celebrate the day. We’ve provided a recipe for you to try as well. Share your recipes, too!

Pears Belle Helene recipe.

Use #NationalPearsHeleneDay to post on social media.