What is Scouting for Food?
Scouting for Food takes place on two consecutive weekends. On the first weekend, Cubs and Scouts distribute notices to let their neighbors know about the drive. On the second weekend, Scouts revisit those houses to pick up bags full of non-perishable food items (canned food, cereal, pasta, peanut butter, juice, etc.). In 2022, George Mason District units collected approximately 18,200 pounds of food for those in need. More than 400 cub scouts and Scouts BSA youth participated in the collection effort.
What are the dates of 2023 Scouting for Food?
2023 Scouting for Food Dates are Post-it distribution on October 28, 2023 and Food pick-up (immediately followed by food drop-off at a designated food pantry) on November 4, 2023.
Are those the only dates available for Scouting for Food?
No. Your unit may run its SFF campaign whenever it chooses. The National Capital Area Council will provide Post-Its promoting the even, but units fill own their own date range if having SFF on other dates.
Is the only means for participation by post-its and pickups?
No, we realize that some units are small and encourage participation at any level. For smaller units, you may want to volunteer for food sorting or schedule a drive up collection. Any way you can help is doing a good turn for your community!
Are we being provided bags or post-its?
For 2023, George Mason Units will be provided post-its by their Unit Commissioners or the SFF Coordinator (at Roundtable). One pad covered 100 houses, so 5 pads would have covered 500 homes. Please check how many homes you have in your distribution area, as most units won’t need to exceed 12 pads. If you were short on post-its during the 2022 SFF event, please let the SFF Coordinator know so your Unit can get more for 2023.
Are there specific food banks that the units are assigned to/where do we go to drop off food? Yes. Your unit will be notified by the SFF Coordinator.
Are you tracking weight?
Yes, please submit your final weight totals to the SFF Coordinator.
Our unit has not received any information about Scouting for Food, can we get on the list?
Yes, please send the name, email and unit number of your scouting for food contact to the SFF Coordinator.
SFF Coordinator: Scott Willey
Maps – Areas for units to drop off tags and pickup food. Includes food bank locations.
Reporting – Report to the SFF Coordinator your total food collection weight, number of volunteers and number of hours. Also, input total into your Journey to Excellence and in the Scouting for Food Unit Data web site.