2021 SCOUTING FOR FOOD WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING
Scouting for Food is our council’s largest service project to the community and provides over 130,000 pounds of food to local food shelves. Our coordinated 2020 effort was postponed due to COVID-19, but the Activities and Civic Service Committee has published the information below for units that are willing and able to assist with collection efforts this year.
WHEN AND HOW CAN I REQUEST DOOR HANGERS?
Door hangers will be available for distribution beginning April 1st. You can request door hangers using this online form.
WHEN WILL WE BE ABLE TO PARTIPATE IN SCOUTING FOR FOOD?
Our door hangers do not reference a date, so units can coordinate a series of weekends that will work best for their collection effort. The Activities and Civic Service Committee is working on providing a list of food shelves that are open to accepting donations, as well as working with local units in conducting Scouting for Food. Check back to this page for more information about food shelves in your area over the coming weekes. When planning a collection effort, it is recommended that units coordinate with one of the food shelves on the provided list, or contact their historical food shelf partner before arranging a drop-off. Please note that some food shelves are not accepting in-person donations and are relying on monetary or food shelf network support – if in doubt, call ahead.
HOW WILL SCOUTING FOR FOOD WORK WITH SOCIAL DISTANCING?
Units are urged to conduct contactless flier delivery and food donation pick-up. Please refrain from interacting with community members when possible while canvassing. It is strongly recommended that units use mailing labels with any special directions specific to their collection effort (e.g. pick-up time ranges/ contactless pick-up reminders/ phone contact). With changes to food shelf hours, it is recommended that units coordinate with one of the food shelves on the provided list, or contact their historical food shelf partner before arranging a drop-off.
HOW CAN I HELP IF MY UNIT IS NOT PLANNING ON CONDUCTING COLLECTIONS?
Many of our community partners have needed to adjust their volunteering opportunities in the wake of the COVID-19 outbreak. With in-person volunteering impacted, organizations have shifted their focus away from many events that Scouts would normal assist in facilitating. In particular, food shelves and food networks have identified that monetary donations are the best method of fulfilling their mission during this difficult time. Although the rules and regulations of the Boy Scouts of America prohibit Scouts from soliciting funds on behalf of outside organizations, it is possible for units to share civic engagement opportunities with their families. Take a look at some of the organizations below for opportunities in which you and your families can make a direct impact:
- Our Scouting for Food community partner, The Food Group, is accepting direct donations at their New Hope location. Items can be dropped off inside the front door at 8501 54th Ave N New Hope, MN 55428. Additionally, The Food Group offers traditional food drive collection assistance and cash drive resources. More information on The Food Group and their collection opportunities can be found on their website.
- Second Harvest Heartland offers the opportunity to conduct a virtual food drive. Resources and more information about Second Harvest Heartland’s operation and virtual food drive resources can be found on their website
- Locate a food shelf near you by utilizing the Hunger Solutions website, and find out about the specific needs for your community food shelf or food network. Some sites have temporarily closed in adherence to recommendations at the state and federal level; we strongly encourage reaching out ahead of time before coordinating a local effort.