Utah Food Bank and its partner agencies across the state are working with the Boy Scouts of America to help Fight Hunger Statewide during the 31st annual Scouting For Food, scheduled for Saturday, March 18. This food drive comes at a critical time when supplies at Utah Food Bank and emergency food pantries are beginning to thin following the holiday season. This effort has provided the equivalent of approximately nine million meals since 2010 alone.
Scouts will be going door-to-door across the state to distribute reminders to Utah residents during the week of March 13th. Utah residents are encouraged to fill any bag or box with non-perishable food items to leave on their doorstep by 9:00 a.m. on Saturday, March 18th, when Scouts will return to pick up the food donations.
All donations will be delivered to Utah Food Bank, regional food banks, and emergency food pantries statewide. Alternatively, donations can be dropped off at your local food pantry or regional food bank, or at Utah Food Bank, located at 3150 South 900 West in Salt Lake City. Residents who receive door hangers as reminders may also support the Scout’s efforts financially by taking their door hanger to any Smith’s Food & Drug Store between March 17 and March 20, where they can donate at check stands.
“The food these Scouts will be collecting will have a great impact on the one in five Utah kids at risk of missing a meal today, many of whom are classmates or friends of these Scouts,” said Ginette Bott, Utah Food Bank Chief Development Officer. “It is so rewarding to see the Boy Scouts of America, the Utah National Parks Council, the Trapper Trails Council, the Great Salt Lake Council, and the Utah National Guard all working together to help fight hunger within their own communities. You can’t tell if someone is hungry just by looking at them—they look a lot like you and me, and they need our help.”
Donated food should be commercially packaged (non-glass), non-perishable and nutritious items (ideally low-sodium and low-sugar items). Most-needed food items include beef stew, chili, peanut butter, boxed meals, canned meats and canned fruits and vegetables. For more information about Scouting for Food or to find a local food pantry, visit www.utahfoodbank.org/scouting.
About Utah Food Bank
Founded in 1904, Utah Food Bank has operated under various names but remains true to its mission of Fighting Hunger Statewide by providing food to a statewide network of 141 emergency food pantries and agencies. Last fiscal year, Utah Food Bank distributed 38.1 million pounds of food and goods, the equivalent of approximately 31.8 million meals, to families and individuals in need. For more information about Utah Food Bank, visit www.utahfoodbank.org. Find us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UtahFoodBank and Twitter at www.twitter.com/UtahFoodBank.
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