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Scouting for Food, in rapid response to SNAP crisis, doubles last year’s total
Scouts from Narragansett Council – Scouting America stepped up to meet a moment of need across Southern New England. Underscored by the federal pause on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, the 38th annual Scouting for Food drive collected more than 120 tons of food this year, more than doubling last year’s totals and surpassing more than ten million pounds collected over the life of Rhode Island’s largest food drive.
“Scouting for Food helps Scouts and our communities understand what it means to be a Scout: Being civic-minded, helpful and committed to giving back to their neighbors,” said Tim McCandless, CEO of Narragansett Council – Scouting America. “We are always grateful to our partners, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and WPRI, and to every donor and volunteer who helps to make Scouting for Food such a remarkable success every year.”
More than 143,000 Rhode Islanders rely on SNAP benefits to put food on the table. Those benefits have been suspended until the federal government shutdown ends, putting increased pressure on our local food pantries and making this year’s drive especially critical.
Thousands of Scouts from hundreds of Troops and Packs across Rhode Island, southeastern Massachusetts and southeastern Connecticut participated in this year’s drive, highlighting one of Scouting’s core values: Doing a “Good Turn” daily. Donations were distributed to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and more than 50 local food pantries.
“Even before this weekend, the Food Bank was distributing more food than ever before to address the highest demand we’ve ever seen,” said Melissa Cherney, CEO of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “But with the suspension of SNAP benefits for 143,000 Rhode Islanders, we’re in a true crisis. We are very grateful for the support of Narragansett Council – Scouting America and the greater Rhode Island community, whose support helps us to continue putting healthy, nutritious food on the tables of those who need it most during this difficult time.”
The Council’s Scouting for Food drive is a cooperative effort supported by fire stations, churches, American Legion halls, VFW posts, and other community organizations.
If you missed the Scouts’ visit, you can still donate to the food drive. You can donate in person at your local food pantry or at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank at 200 Niantic Avenue, Providence, RI 02907. You can also donate online at scoutingforfood.org. Monetary donations help the Rhode Island Community Food Bank purchase fresh produce and other perishable items that are not typically donated.
“Every donation, whether it’s a can of soup or a monetary contribution, makes a significant impact,” added McCandless. “We are proud of our Scouts and grateful to the community for their continued support.”
About the Narragansett Council: The mission of Narragansett Council Scouting America 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, Exploring and Community Scouting. The council serves over 6,000 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.ncscouts.org or visit us at facebook.com/ncscouts/.