On Feb. 7, Boy and Girl Scouts from across the region launched the multiday Scouting for Food donation and collection event. Scouting for Food has been a tradition now for decades, with this year’s installment marking its 40th anniversary. This particular event has operations in Utah, Idaho and Wyoming. 

Scouts across Utah, Wyoming and Idaho posted outside of local grocery stores prompting shoppers to participate in their food drive. (Love Communications)

Scouting for Food is a collaboration between multiple agencies and Scout troops across the region. In Utah, the event is facilitated and aided by multiple organizations and agencies including the Utah Food Bank, the Utah National Guard and the Granite Education Foundation, which is Granite School District’s philanthropic organization. The Foundation has always dedicated time and effort to connecting the District’s families and students with meals, making its involvement in Scouting for Food a welcome inclusion. 

Scouting for Food Day is a busy event and much prep work is required leading up to its February kickoff. Scouts used social media to promote the drive and share which nonperishable foods were most needed. This year’s campaign was named “Serving Others…It’s the American Way.” The choice to name the campaign stemmed from the nationwide organization America250 celebrating its 250 years of American character, citizenship and community. 

“Scouting for Food is more than a service project—it’s a living expression of what makes America strong: neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lorna Koci, Scouting for Food chair. “When youth serve others, they learn compassion, leadership, responsibility—values that guided our nation for generations.”

This year over 6,000 Scouts were aided by 2,500 adult volunteers in the Scouting for Food Day. (Love Communications)

This year, organizers set a goal to gather 120,000 pounds of food with help from 6,000 Scouts and 2,500 adult volunteers. The accumulated food was then distributed to local communities in Utah, southern Idaho and western Wyoming. The specific goal of 120,000 pounds was set after Scouts collected that amount during last year’s event. 

On collection day, Scouts posted at Smith’s grocery stores across the state, taking nonperishable food donations from the public. As shoppers entered the store, Scouts informed them of the event and invited them to participate. Those who wished to participate were given a list of food items they could pick up during their shopping trip and leave with the Scouts upon completion.

From there, Scouts teamed up with members of the Utah National Guard, working side-by-side to prepare all of the donated food for delivery. The food was then delivered by volunteers and Guard members, as they traveled across Utah, Wyoming and Idaho to distribute provisions.

“We are proud to continue this tradition of service, especially in a year when our nation is reflecting on 250 years,” said Allen Endicott, Scout executive of Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is a powerful example of young people living the Scout Oath by helping others and making a real difference.”

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the annual Scouting for Food collection and donation event. (Love Communications)

Programs like Scouting for Food are important community mainstays, especially considering the current hunger rates that the state of Utah is facing. Currently, in Utah, one in 10 children face food insecurity. Feeding America, the largest hunger relief organization in the United States, defines food insecurity as the following:

“Food insecurity is when people don’t have enough to eat and don’t know where their next meal will come from. It’s a big problem in the United States where 48 million people including 14 million children, experience food insecurity annually.”

Food insecurity is a threat to people of all ages; however, children are particularly vulnerable considering they’re undergoing developmental changes. Food insecurity can lead to  negative outcomes including poor physical health, poor mental health, struggles in work and school performance, and overall poor well-being. 

Scouting for Food kicked off its 40th anniversary Feb. 5. (Love Communications)

According to Feeding America, the biggest causes and risk factors for food insecurity are income-related challenges, high cost of living, community issues, health-related problems and systemic barriers to opportunity. 

Events like Scouting for Food are beneficial. Not only do they provide those facing food insecurity with much-needed food assistance, but they also give members of the Scouts and the community an opportunity to engage with philanthropy and service. 

The result is an event that comes at a much needed time, as food banks often report a significant decrease in donations following the end of the holiday season. Scouting for Food provides a much needed boost in post-holiday donations.

As the food drive concluded, Granite Education Foundation reported that Granite School District Scouts were able to raise 23,000 pounds of food. 

“This effort shows what happens when civic groups, businesses and families unite for a common cause,” said Ken Jeppensen, council president for the Crossroads of the West Council, Scouting America. “Scouting for Food is service in action—it’s The American Way.”