Since 1988 the Scouts of the Narragansett Council have helped feed families in need by collecting nearly 10 million pounds of food! The yearly Good Turn is the area's most impactful food drive and the largest annual Scout service project. The Scouting For Food Drive will happen this year but with some significant changes.
Under guidance from the Massachusetts and Rhode Island Departments of Health, the Narragansett Council and our partners at the Rhode Island Community Food Bank have made the decision to cancel house to house door-hanger distribution and food pickup for 2020. As always, the health and safety of our Scout families and our community are most important. Many organizations have faced challenges this year, including the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. The RICFB relies on volunteer support and in-person donations to help feed families in need. Due to COVID-19 health and safety concerns, they have suspended in-person volunteer involvement and most food donations. Instead, they have worked with the community to identify new ways to get food to those in need. Using some of those same strategies, here’s how the Narragansett Council and RICFB will deliver this year’s Scouting For Food Drive;
When?
The 2020 Scouting for Food Drive will take place from November 7th-November 14th.
How will it work?
Our community will be asked to support the 2020 Scouting for Food Drive in two ways:
- Donate food online; Food banks are able to buy the items they need most at wholesale prices. Through online support, anyone, anywhere in Southeastern New England and beyond will be able to purchase food items online. In turn, the food bank can distribute those items to community pantries across the Narragansett Council.
- Donate food in-person; Many local food pantries are still able to receive limited food donations. We will share a list of over 100 food drop off locations across the Narragansett Council. Dropping off at select locations will limit contact between individuals and property and will directly benefit community pantries and food banks.
Online contribution portals and drop-off location lists are found at www.ScoutingForFood.org
How can Scouts help?
Like every Scouting for Food Drive over the past 33 years, this year’s drive does not happen without a Good Turn from the Scouts of the Narragansett Council. While Scouts will not be able to go door to door this year, we will ask that they help in other ways.
- Social Media- The best way to reach the most people! The Narragansett Council will provide customizable templates that scouts, leaders, and families can use to invite their friends to help. Check out these social media templates that help explain this year's changes and prepare people to give.
- Email- For scouts, leaders, and families who want to reach their contacts directly, please do! Remember to copy a parent or unit leader on all communications with youth.
- Community Outreach- Units will receive lawn signs and other resources that can be displayed in their community to promote the 2020 Scouting For Food Drive.
The COVID-19 health crisis has increased the demand for food in our area by 50%. This year, more than ever, our neighbors need our help. While we cannot collect food door to door, we are looking forward to facing the challenge and providing our annual Good Turn to help the community. We ask that every Pack, Troop, Team, and Crew take part in the 2020 Scouting For Food Drive. By participating in this Scouting for Food Good Turn, together, we in the Narragansett Council can show our communities and our Scouts that we haven’t forgotten the principals that have made the Boy Scouts of America strong.
Stay tuned to this page and the Narragansett Council Facebook page for important 2020 Scouting For Food updates in the coming weeks.
Questions: Joram.Northup@Scouting.org
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