Boy Scouts ‘Scouting For Food’ In Rhode Island
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Get out your canned goods, Rhode Island. The Boy Scouts are coming!
This year marks the 25th Annual Scouting for Food Drive, a long standing tradition for the Narragansett Council Boy Scouts of America and the largest food drive in New England. During the upcoming weeks, thousands of Boy Scouts will be on the move throughout the region collecting non-perishable food items for the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. Scouts have already dropped off hundreds of plastic donation bags and will return to collect those foods on November 3, beginning at 9am.
Narragansett Council’s Scout Executive/CEO, John Mosby, highlighted the importance of the drive, “For more than 25 years, the Annual Scouting for Food Drive has not only helped our neighbors in need, but it has also shown our Scouts how the community can and will step forward to help others less fortunate than themselves. That is a critical life lesson for them.”
GET THE LATEST BREAKING NEWS HERE -- SIGN UP FOR GOLOCAL FREE DAILY EBLASTNarragansett Council: More than 7.8 million pounds of food collected
Since its inception in 1988, the Narragansett Council has collected more than 7.8 million pounds of food for those less fortunate. Last year alone, Scouts collected close to 300,000 pounds of food, with 185,000 pounds being brought directly to the Rhode Island Food Bank.
“This year marks a significant milestone for the drive, and we are confident the community will once again come together and help those less fortunate,” adds Mosby. Scouts from more than 200 different Packs and Troops are participating in 2012.
The need continues, for RI families
“The need for food assistance in Rhode Island has continued to grow since the start of the recession,” said Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “The issue really hits home for hard-working families who are doing their best to put food on the table for their children,” Schiff said.
Schiff also talked about the important role the Scouts have in the drive, “We are so impressed by the spirit, enthusiasm and energy of these young Scouts who really show us what community spirit is all about.” He added, “Their significant contribution helps us to keep food on the shelves of local emergency food programs during the cold winter months." The Food Bank currently serves more than 65,000 people through its statewide network of emergency food programs. One in three individuals served is a child under the age of 18.
What to put in the bag
Donors are encouraged to fill their bags with the Food Bank’s most needed items:
- Protein: Canned Soup, Tuna, Canned Meats, Peanut Butter, & Nuts
- Canned Fruits & Vegetables including Juices and Tomato Sauce
- Carbohydrates: Nutritious Breakfast Cereals, Whole Wheat Pasta and Rice
- Crackers, Granola Bars, as well as Cheese & Cracker Packages
- Canned or Dried Beans
Scouting for Food, the largest food drive in New England, is a cooperative effort supported by the Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America; the Rhode Island Community Food Bank; WPRI Channel 12; FOX Providence; the Rhode Island Army National Guard; Raymour & Flanigan; Walgreens; The Valley Breeze; and local fire stations.
How to donate if you didn't receive a bag
If the Scouts are unable to cover your neighborhood, please visit your local Walgreens store to drop off your donation between November 3rd and November 17.
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