Local Scouts are asking the community to lend a hand today as they take part in Scouting for Food, an annual nationwide service project of Scouting America (formerly the Boy Scouts of America) aimed at helping fight hunger and stock food pantries for families in need.

Scouting for Food began as a local initiative in St. Louis, Missouri in 1985, created to address food insecurity through a simple but effective community-wide collection effort. After early success, the Boy Scouts of America expanded it into a national program in 1988, and the project has continued for decades as one of Scouting’s most recognized service traditions. Scouts typically collect non-perishable food items such as canned vegetables, canned meats, soups, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and other shelf-stable staples that can be distributed quickly to local households.

Organizers say the drive is also designed to teach Scouts the value of community service and to build awareness about hunger close to home. Even during periods of economic improvement, local food pantries often report ongoing need, especially during colder months and around the holiday season when household expenses can rise.

Locally today, Scouts will be collecting food near the Scout Hut on Ralph Chamblee Drive in Summerville from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. All donated items will go directly to the Community Resource Center of Chattooga County, helping supply food assistance for local families across the county.

Community members are encouraged to bring donations during the collection window, and even a few items can make a difference when combined with others across the community.