For Hometown News
You've got the bag, now the Boy Scouts want you to fill it with non-perishable canned food.
Central Florida Boy Scouts have delivered 800,000 empty grocery bags to homes across the area. On Saturday, Nov. 10, the Scouts will retrieve the bags. Within 48 hours of the Scouts' pick-up, the first donations will be on the shelves of food banks and pantries ready to feed the hungry.
Scouting for Food began in 1985 as a community service project in St. Louis and grew to Central Florida in 1988 as part of the organization's national Good Turn For America program, which works to inspire Scouts and Scout volunteers to a higher level of service and volunteerism in the community.
"Our community responds with overwhelming generosity each year. As Central Florida continues to grow, Scouting For Food becomes more important. The food collected by our Scouts helps area food pantries provide food to those who need it most," said Ron Oats, Scout Executive and Chief Executive Officer of the Central Florida Council.
"The dedication of the Boy Scouts of America to continually give back to their community is tremendous. Every fall we look forward to partnering with them to feed our hungry neighbors in need. Their drive is a vital part of keeping the food flowing to those who need it," said Toni White, Marketing and Special Events Manager of Second Harvest Food Bank of Central Florida. Second Harvest Food Bank receives a large portion of the donations.
Select Winn-Dixie locations will accept donations through Sunday, Nov. 11.