Scouting for Food
Scouting for Food is an ongoing annual program of the Boy Scouts of America that began in 1985 by the Greater Saint Louis Area Council. What started in 1988 by the BSA as a two-year “National Good Turn” food-collection program is still going strong 30+ years later. Hunger was identified by Scouting at that time as one of five “unacceptable” in our society (others were drug and child abuse, illiteracy, and unemployment), and Scouting for Food was launched to meet the needs of the nation’s hungry. Scouting for Food is a project rooted in the very foundation of the Scouting movement and its dedication to implement the Scout Slogan and do a good turn daily.
how does it work?
Across the country, in many councils and districts, thousands of troops and packs with millions of scouts involved collect tens of millions of pounds of food which is distributed to needy neighbors. The food is delivered to needy families all throughout the council’s borders. Since 1985, billions of units of food have been collected and distributed to food banks around the country.
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Scouts distribute bags and/or door hangers to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, and other nonperishable items.
THe Steps of Food Collection
Distribute door hangers to the homes in the collection area. The hangers give information such as the date of collection, why the Scouts collect food, and the appropriate items to donate.
The Scouts collect the bags of nonperishable items from the porches of the homes that choose to participate.
The bags of items are delivered to a local food bank or aid group for members of the community that need them most.
Preferred Items
Cereal
Peanut Butter
Canned Juice
Macaroni & Cheese
Canned Vegetables
Soup
Pasta & Rice
Canned Fruit
Salad Dressing
Canned Tuna/Meat
Local Sponsors and Partners
