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In Oregon and southwest Washington, more than 160,000 children under age 17 received emergency food assistance last year. Last year, a total of more than 400,000 individuals received emergency food boxes from Oregon Food Bank hunger relief agencies. Demands for emergency food are expected to increase as many low-income people experience a loss of Federal assistance. Meanwhile, each year, Oregon Food Bank receives fewer donations from national food manufacturers and U.S. Government programs. The non-perishable food collected during food drives, such as Scouting for Food, makes a big difference in the community’s ability to feed hungry children and their families. Food drive food is of particular value because of its high nutritional value.
Purpose of Scouting for Food
Help meet the needs of hungry people.
Expose Scouts to the highest ideals of the Scouting movement through a practical and dramatic experience in the principle of the “Daily Good Turn.”
Council Benefits Scouting for Food will bear out Scouting’s position as a caring and “giving” organization. The following are additional beneficial aspects of the campaign.
A non-controversial, truly appealing community service project.
A high-profile activity that demonstrates the strength and value of Scouting by providing a vital benefit to the community.
Nearly 42% of the recipients of our efforts are children – a natural tie in.
Volunteer recruitment.
An opportunity to spotlight and recognize volunteers.
What is the Need? Hunger hurts…..especially children.
Hungry children have more health problems, such as asthma, allergies, colds, ear infections, anemia, and others.
Hungry children suffer four times more fatigue and have trouble concentrating.
Hungry children can’t learn as well in school and are twice as likely to miss school than other children.
What’s the Answer? Hunger has a cure. YOU! Hunger is a problem we can do something about by working together. Scouting for Food is a starting point and an example of Scouting’s longstanding commitment to community service.
Scouts will collect food door-to-door throughout their designated areas. Scouts will bring filled bags to collection centers. Oregon Food Bank and its network of hunger- relief agencies will distribute the food to those who are hungry.
Always the 1st Saturday in December
The annual Scouting for Food drive is coming up soon! We hope you will be participating on the first Saturday in December. Last year Scouts in Oregon and southwestern Washington collected nearly 300,000 pounds of food to benefit local hunger relief agencies. Let's do it again! Scouting for food will kick off Saturday morning Scouts will begin going door-to-door asking residents to donate canned and packaged foods for hungry people in their community.
When participating in the food drive, please follow these hints:
Encourage people to donate canned foods such as tuna, chicken, beans, soups, stews and chili, or other non-perishable foods like pasta, rice, and macaroni and cheese.
Collect food only in your area. To be sure of your area, contact your district Scouting for Food coordinator. Roundtable is the best place to do this.
Use the buddy system and be safety conscious. Scouts are never to ride in the back of pick-ups and should always wear safety belts while riding in a vehicle.
Be ready to start collecting at 8:30 a.m. If you start earlier, you may wake people up, but if you wait until later, people may already be gone for the day.
Always make sure you are accompanied by an adult.
Please wear your uniform and be sure Scouts are friendly and courteous to everyone you meet. Remember to thank people even if they don't contribute.
Take collected food to the drop-off site closest to your area.
Scoutmasters — to avoid duplication of segment requests, remember to record the names of participating boys and exchange this list for segments at your December roundtable, at the volunteer service desk, or by mail.
If you have any additional questions, please contact the council service center at 503/226-3423. Good luck!
Clark County Scouts: Walk & Knock needs you! Sign up online today!
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