Special blue bags will be appearing in the mailboxes of Marion residents this week.

Residents are encouraged to fill the bags with items for Marion County Food Bank. Accepted items include canned fruits and vegetables, peanut butter, canned beans, tuna, or other canned meats and meals such as soup, stew, or chili. The bags will be picked up Saturday by letter carriers.

The Letter Carriers Food Drive takes place on the same day each year across the United States. This year it is May 11.

“The food drive is a very important part of our existence,” said Gene Winkler, Marion Advancement Campaign liaison for Marion County Food Bank. “We count on this every year to bring in food to stock our shelves. It helps keep us going as we serve our neighbors in need across Marion County.”