The U.S. Postal Service knows all about delivering letters and packages.
What about regularly delivering groceries or medicines, or just checking in on the elderly while they’re at it?
These are some of the envelope-pushing possibilities considered in a report from the Office of Inspector General for the U.S. Postal Service, which is billions of dollars in debt and in need of new ideas to generate revenue.
The Postal Service reported a $587 million loss in the third quarter, an improvement from the $1.96 billion loss in the same period a year ago. The agency reported an 11 percent rise in revenue from shipping and package services, which helped offset declines in first-class and standard mail.
In addition to generating extra money, the report says, the new options would allow postal workers to meet the wellness needs of the growing population of older adults who may not be able to get out to shop for food or pick up their prescriptions.
Carriers could also drop off library books, help fill out forms and even install appliances for people who live alone and don’t have regular contact with others. .
“Together, wellness organizations and the Postal Service can better serve the American public,” according to the report.
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