Scouting for Food, RI’s largest annual food drive, to collect and turn in 50 tons of food

On Saturday, Nov. 2, starting at 9 a.m., Scouts from Scouting America, Narragansett Council, will be out in their communities, collecting non-perishable food donations from neighbors who participated in the 37th annual “Scouting for Food” drive.

Residences across Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut received a yellow door tag last week with instructions on how to donate.

“Scouting for Food” is one of the biggest food drives in New England, collecting more than 50 tons of food each year. This year, the Scouts’ efforts are more critical than ever, as the demand for food assistance has surged by 20% compared to previous years.

The collected food will be distributed to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank in Providence, RI, as well as over 50 local food pantries across the region. This ensures that families in need across the region receive essential support.

At 9am Saturday the program will start and drop-offs begin at 10:30am at the Food Bank at 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence. Scouts and leaders will be joined by Tim McCandless, CEO of Scouting America, Narragansett Council and Lisa Roth Blackman, Food Bank Chief Philanthropy Officer.

In-person food donations are encouraged and accepted at multiple locations across Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. Donations accepted include nutritious, non-perishable goods such as canned tuna, peanut butter, soups, cereal, and canned vegetables. Donations can also be made online at www.scoutingforfood.org/help-today.

About the Narragansett Council: The mission of Scouting America, Narragansett Council is to serve others by helping to instill values in young people and, in other ways, prepare them to make ethical choices over their lifetime in achieving their full potential. The Narragansett Council’s research-backed, youth development programs are for boys and girls ages 6 to 20 through Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring. The council serves over 5,000 youth annually in Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts, and Pawcatuck, Connecticut. People can learn about Scouting programs and find groups near them at www.BeAScout.org. On May 7, 2024, it was announced that the Boy Scouts of America are rebranding as Scouting America.

For more information on the Narragansett Council, please visit www.ncbsa.org or visit us at Facebook.com/NCBSA.