Mail carriers will collect canned and nonperishable food this Saturday to help those in need.

This is the largest single-day food drive to benefit Linn Benton Food Share and its network of 72 agencies.

Last year, the National Association of Letter Carriers’ “Stamp Out Hunger” food drive brought in more than 35 tons of food in Linn and Benton counties.

Most wanted foods include: canned tuna, soups, stews, chili, canned fruits, peanut butter, beans, rice and pasta.

The need is especially great this year.

“High food and gas prices are hitting low-income people especially hard, and consequently the number of people asking for help is increasing,” said Mike Gibson, Linn Benton Food Share director.

Postal patrons will be provided with a specially marked bag in the week prior to the food drive. Patrons are asked to fill the bag with canned or nonperishable food and place the full bag next to their mailbox for pickup on Saturday.

Linn Benton Food Share provides emergency food services to an average of 10,000 individuals per month in the two-county region.

For more information or to make a cash donation, call 541-752-1010 or go to the Web site www.csc.gen.or.us/foodshare.htm.