Scouting for Food **Nov. 19**

On Saturday, November 19th, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts throughout Somerset and Middlesex Counties will hold their annual “Scouting for Food” food drive.  On the prior weekend, Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will distribute special collection bags with fliers to houses, asking all residents to place donations of nonperishable food in the bags on their doorsteps in clear view from the street before 9 AM on the 19th.

Some newspapers have reported the date incorrectly.  It is Saturday, November 19th.

 The collection bags were donated by the ShopRite grocery stores, and look similar to regular grocery bags but are printed with a special message asking for food donations.  Residents are being asked to watch for it on their front porch or under their doormat.

 If you do not receive a collection bag but want to participate, please contact your local Scoutmaster or Cubmaster.  If you don’t know who to contact, please call Carolina Gongora of the Patriots' Path Council at 973-765-9322 ext. 257.

 The Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts are asking for everyone’s help to feed the needy. Due to the condition of the economy, unemployment in the region has increased, while donations are to our local food banks have declined.  According to Marie Scannell, Executive Director of the Somerset County Food Bank, donations are down since last year.  The result is that many poor children are going to bed hungry right here in our home towns. 

 Donations of food to this program will go directly to local food pantries as well as to the Somerset County Food Bank and FISH in Middlesex County, both of which supply local food pantries.  From there it is distributed to the poor and needy.  The Scouting for Food program has been one of the largest contributors to the Food Bank Network for the past 20 years.

Especially needed are canned goods like vegetables, stew, beans, and tuna and dry goods like pasta, cereal, and rice.  People are being asked not to give perishable or expired items or glass containers.