Background Information
In Oregon and southwest Washington, more than 160,000 children under age 17 received emergency food assistance last year. Last year, a total of more than 400,000 individuals received emergency food boxes from Oregon Food Bank hunger relief agencies.

Demands for emergency food are expected to increase as many low-income people experience a loss of Federal assistance. Meanwhile, each year, Oregon Food Bank receives fewer donations from national food manufacturers and U.S. Government programs. The non-perishable food collected during food drives, such as Scouting for Food, makes a big difference in the community’s ability to feed hungry children and their families. Food drive food is of particular value because of its high nutritional value.

Purpose of Scouting for Food

• Help meet the needs of hungry people.
• Expose Scouts to the highest ideals of the Scouting movement through a practical and dramatic experience in the principle of the “Daily Good Turn.”

Council Benefits Scouting for Food will bear out Scouting’s position as a caring and “giving” organization. The following are additional beneficial aspects of the campaign.

• A non-controversial, truly appealing community service project.
  
• A high-profile activity that demonstrates the strength and value of Scouting by providing a vital benefit to the community.
  
• Nearly 42% of the recipients of our efforts are children – a natural tie in.
  
• Volunteer recruitment.
  
• An opportunity to spotlight and recognize volunteers.
  

What is the Need? Hunger hurts…..especially children.

• Hungry children have more health problems, such as asthma, allergies, colds, ear infections, anemia, and others.
  
• Hungry children suffer four times more fatigue and have trouble concentrating.
  
• Hungry children can’t learn as well in school and are twice as likely to miss school than other children.
  

What’s the Answer? Hunger has a cure. YOU! Hunger is a problem we can do something about by working together. Scouting for Food is a starting point and an example of Scouting’s longstanding commitment to community service.
Scouts will collect food door-to-door throughout their designated areas. Scouts will bring filled bags to collection centers. Oregon Food Bank and its network of hunger- relief agencies will distribute the food to those who are hungry.