Scouts Rally Communities to Fight Hunger Through Scouting for Food

Across the country, Scouts will take part in service projects to address community needs as part of Scouting America's National Day of Service.

IRVING, Texas, Nov. 9, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Scouting America is mobilizing Scouts, families and communities to fight hunger on its inaugural National Day of Service, Saturday, Nov. 14. The initiative will spotlight Scouting for Food, a longstanding tradition that brings Scouts and neighbors together to collect food for local organizations serving people facing hunger.

One in seven households in America experiences food insecurity, according to the Food Research & Action Center. Through Scouting for Food, participants go door to door to invite neighbors to contribute nonperishable food donations to local food banks, pantries and shelters.

Local Councils coordinate Scouting for Food efforts with local businesses, religious organizations and other community groups, creating opportunities for Scouts and their neighbors to work together toward a shared goal. As part of the National Day of Service, Councils can organize service projects addressing other local needs, such as community cleanups and public-space beautification. Through these experiences, young people develop leadership, teamwork and empathy while learning how their actions can support their communities.

Launched nationally in 1988 after beginning as a Council-wide service project in St. Louis in 1985, Scouting for Food has given generations of Scouts a hands-on way to serve their neighbors. Today, local Councils across the country continue the tradition, working with community partners to collect food for families in need.

"Service is at the heart of Scouting, and our National Day of Service is an opportunity for Scouts to turn that commitment into action," said Roger Krone, president and CEO of Scouting America. "Through Scouting for Food, young people are stepping up to serve their neighbors, working together and seeing firsthand how their efforts can drive community impact. It's a meaningful way for Scouts to live out the values of leadership, responsibility and compassion while building character and making a difference for families facing hunger."

The National Day of Service is part of Impact365, Scouting America's national service initiative designed to help young people develop character, civic responsibility and leadership through meaningful service. Supported by a grant from Lilly Endowment Inc., Impact365 creates opportunities for Scouts to put Scouting values into action while making a measurable difference in their communities.

To learn more about Scouting America or find a local Scouting Pack, visit www.BeAScout.org. For information about local Scouting for Food activities, contact your local Council.

About Scouting America
Scouting America provides the nation's foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be "Prepared. For Life.®" Scouting America welcomes all of America's youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and nearly 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America's mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.

SOURCE Scouting America