Austin letter carriers will be holding a friendly competition with Albert Lea carriers on May 14 — but it’s not to see who can deliver more mail.

Postal workers in the neighboring cities will instead be trying to collect as many canned or boxed food items as possible for their annual Letter Carrier Food Drive Day.

On Saturday, May 14, Austin residents can leave food drive contributions in, on or near their mailboxes, and their letter carrier will collect the items.

Letter carrier Bob Rosel said all the food collected will benefit area residents through local food shelves.

“Regardless of whether we beat Albert Lea or not … the food shelves and the people who need it are really the beneficiaries on this,” Rosel said.

Rosel said several groups around town are helping with the drive, including the Jaycees, National Honor Society and volunteers from Gerard Academy.

Food items should be left for the mail carriers on Saturday, May 14.