For the first time in 17 years, Austin residents donated more pounds of food than residents in Albert Lea during the National Association of Letter Carriers Food Drive.

Scott Pirsig, Albert Lea letter carrier and coordinator of the local food drive, said Austin letter carriers collected 932 pounds more food than Albert Lea carriers during the event Saturday.

Austin and Albert Lea carriers have issued a friendly competition to see who can collect the most donations. Austin carriers collected 13,010 pounds compared to Albert Lea carriers’ 12,078.

As part of the largest one-day food drive in the nation, the carriers collected food at or near residents’ mailboxes during normal mail delivery. The food was weighed at the respective post offices and released to area food shelves.

Pirsig said until about two years ago, the competition was never even close; however, in 2010, the gap was narrowed.

At that time, Austin mail carriers collected about 14,000 pounds and Albert Lea carriers collected almost 15,000 pounds.

Albert Lea’s record is 16,700 pounds.

The winner each year gets a traveling trophy, and Albert Lea carriers will have to surrender the trophy during an Austin City Council meeting.

“Once the word gets out that Austin beat us, I don’t think it’s going to happen again,” Pirsig said.

This is the 19th year for the food drive nationally.

Pirsig commended the team, volunteers and the community members who make it possible.

He said there were carriers who came in on their days off and even a retired carrier who assisted.