The Greenwich Council, Boy Scouts of America annual food drive “Scouting for Food” is set for Saturday, March 2.
This year marks the sixth year that CT State Representative Fred Camillo (R-151) will serve as Honorary Chair.
“I am once again honored to be a part of Scouting for Food,” said Camillo. “The Scouts have been running this event for decades and it is an example of their commitment to our community and the ideals of the Boy Scouts of America.”
Greenwich Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will participate in this town-wide event by collecting food from local residents to benefit Neighbor to Neighbor.
“We’re excited to partner with the Greenwich Scouts to raise money to bridge the gap between hunger and health,” said Nancy Coughlin, Neighbor to Neighbor executive director. “Online donations give us the ability to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, which supplement traditional food drives. This approach helps to ensure that we meet the health needs of our clients.”
In addition to the online food drive, Scouts will be distributing re-usable bags donated by Greenwich Whole Foods throughout their neighborhoods. Cub Scout Packs will also set-up outside the following participating Greenwich supermarkets.
Saturday, March 24
- ACME Market, 160 West Putnam Avenue
- ACME Market, Riverside Commons
Saturday, March 2
- Kings Market, 26 Arcadia Road
- Stop & Shop, 161 West Putnam Avenue
From 9:00am to 11:30am on Saturday, March 2, food donations can be brought to one of the four drop-off locations:
- Christ Church, 254 East Putnam Avenue
- Glenville Volunteer Fire Company, 266 Glenville Road
- Cos Cob Volunteer Fire Company, 200 East Putnam Avenue
- Sound Beach Volunteer Fire Department, 207 Sound Beach Avenue, Old Greenwich
Greenwich residents are encouraged to drop-off non-expired items, such as canned beans (not green), canned fruit, tuna, boxed milk, pasta sauce, pasta, jelly, peanut butter and more. All donated food will be sorted and then delivered by Scouts to Neighbor to Neighbor.
“Neighbor to Neighbor is dedicated to assisting local residents in need of food, clothing and other essentials,” said Camillo. “Please stop by and see us at any of the four drop-off locations on the second of March to witness and participate in a great civic event.”
Since its inception in 1912, Greenwich Scouting goals have remained the same, emphasizing youth adventure, leadership, learning, outdoor exploration, and perhaps most importantly, service. Scouts are encouraged to “Do a Good Turn Daily”. Greenwich Scouting partners with Neighbor to Neighbor, located at Christ Church in Greenwich, to help fill the increasing need for food for families in the area, especially during non-holiday times, such as March. Neighbor to Neighbor provides nutritious meals monthly for over 660 local families through their “Client Choice” food pantry, where clients actually have the opportunity to do their own shopping. Approximately 47% of the food provided by Neighbor to Neighbor feeds children at or below the poverty level.
To learn more about the Greenwich “Scouting for Food” drive, visit www.GreenwichScouting.org.
Neighbor to Neighbor’s “Client Choice” food pantry provides families in need the opportunity to do their own shopping. Photo: Leslie Yager