Albert Lea edged out Austin for most food collected during the National Association of Letter Carriers annual “Help Stamp Out Hunger” food drive Saturday.

According to Austin letter carrier Bob Rosel, the last loads of donations were collected Monday, totaling 9,270 pounds in Austin and just under 10,000 pounds in Albert Lea, were the official number had not yet been determined this morning. Mail carriers picked up non-perishable items while delivering mail Saturday.

Rosel said collections in both Albert Lea and Austin were down this year, as well as in Rochester.

“It seems to be a general trend,” he said.

Donations from both cities will benefit their local food shelves.

The local drives coincide with the national event. Rosel said he would like the area to host its collections a weekend other than last, which included the state fishing opener, Mother’s Day and the Citywide Rummage Sale.