What is “Scouting for Food?”
“Scouting for Food” is the nation’s largest single-day food drive. It began as a Scout’s service project in St. Louis, Missouri, in 1985. The Boy Scouts of America National Organization adopted the idea and Scouting For Food began in all councils nationwide in 1988. One in five children live in a food insecure home. There are children who don’t know where their next meal will come from in every community. The goal is to help feed those in need in all of our communities.
When does it take place?
In Central Florida, Scouting For Food bag drop offs takes place on the 1st Saturday in November. The food donation pick ups takes place the following Saturday. Starting at 9am, Scouts blanket our communities, collecting food donated by residents. Scouts then deliver the food to collection sites, where it is counted, packed and readied for delivery to food pantries.
Can I just donate money?
Absolutely! Central Florida Council uses any monetary donations to purchase food that is then delivered directly to Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida.
Why do we participate in Scouting for Food?
As an organization, the Central Florida Council teach youth the value of helping others and giving back to their communities. By collecting food for people in need, Scouts are “doing a good turn” and “helping other people,” key elements of the Scout Oath and slogan.
Where does the donated food go?
After the Scouts collect the food bags, they deliver them to a local drop-off location where volunteers sort and box the food to be delivered to the Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida and other local food pantries. Your donated food will help feed people in Orange, Seminole, Osceola, Lake, Brevard, Volusia and Flagler Counties.
When will our unit leaders start receiving Scouting For Food information?
Information will be given at the September Roundtable meeting. Scouting for Food bags will be available to pick up at the October Roundtable. Distribution will be the first Saturday in November and donations will be picked up the second Saturday in November. For additional questions or information, please contact your District Executive.
QUESTIONS ON PICK-UP SATURDAY (NOV 11) BETWEEN 9 AM AND 12 PM CAN BE DIRECTED TO 407-889-4403.