Food to serve 2,388 meals was collected by local Scouts across 11 counties that include Hamilton, Catoosa, Walker, Dade, Marion, Grundy, Bradley, Polk, Rhea, Bledsoe and Sequatchie. These items were provided to the local food pantry network in collaboration with the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. Most of the food was collected during the door to door “Scouting for Food” drive held in April.
Officials said, "To help alleviate hunger in our community, 'Scouting for Food' is an annual collection of nonperishable food items, coordinated across the 11 counties served by the Cherokee Area Council, Boy Scouts of America.
The Chattanooga Area Food Bank, the largest recipient of items, will deliver goods to various food pantries across the community who will receive the food collected, and in turn, give the food to thousands of individuals or families in need."
“We are deeply grateful for the nourishing meals that Scouting for Food will be able to provide to the families in need in our community,” said Melissa Blevins, president & CEO of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank. “In serving their community, the local Scouts are helping us provide food- and hope- to those neighbors in our community who are struggling and seeking food assistance.” Jennifer Franklin, Community Engagement Manager of the Chattanooga Area Food Bank, added, “Not only does this help us provide groceries for our neighbors in need, but also enables us to spread awareness in our community.”
The Scouting for Food campaign involved door-to-door food collection efforts by Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA and Venturers. Scouts distributed informational door hangers throughout their designated neighborhoods and community areas.
"The Scout Slogan is Do a Good Turn Daily," said Council Commissioner Zachary McCarty. "Our
Scouts log thousands of service hours annually. This project was a great way to demonstrate to the
community the values of Scouting that we teach to the youth of the program."
Contact Amy Phillips with the Cherokee Area Council at 706-313-1949 for additional
information or to make a belated donation.