Scouting For Food Aims To Help Restock Local Food Pantries

RESTON, VA — If nothing else, the coronavirus pandemic has raised awareness of the problem of food insecurity throughout the Washington, D.C. region. As such, many people have stepped up and donated time and money to feed families who are facing economic hardships caused by the pandemic.

“Since COVID -19, the SLHS PTSA Food pantry has pivoted to a contact-free distribution system," said Roberta Gosling, co-founder of the Food Pantry at South Lakes High School. "We pack 20-25 pound bags of food and distribute that along with many other items to approximately 140 families each week at South Lakes High School. This number continues to grow every week. Many have told us that these groceries and other products have been a lifesaver for them.”

Among the volunteer groups stepping up to help during this crisis are local Boy Scout troops. Even though they've had to switch their in-person meetings to virtual formats, that hasn't stopped them from answering the needs of their communities.

Since May, scouts in the Powhatan District’s Venture Crew 673 have answered the call and conducted monthly food drives since May. In total, they collected and donated 2,125 pounds of food to SHARE of McLean. In addition, Ethan, a scout in the district’s Troop 158, conducted a food drive for his Eagle Scout service project.

As they do every year, the BSA and its National Capital Area Council will be hosting their annual food drive in November. In 2019, more than 800 scouts and 600 adult leaders collected 34,700 pounds of food in the Powhatan District, which covers Great Falls, Herndon, Reston, Oakton, and Chantilly.

In the past, scouts have handed out bags that they would collect on a designated day as part of the annual Scouting for Food collection. This year, because of the pandemic, some scouts have set up contactless food collection points at their homes. Others will be arranging contactless outdoor food gathering from neighbors while observing safety protocols and wearing gloves and masks.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, scouts and their adult leaders from all over Northern Virginia will be gathering food from their neighbors and bringing them to the following local charities: LINK Against Hunger, Community of Faith UMC Food Pantry, and The Pantry at South Lakes High School.

Those who may be missed by the scouts are welcome to drop off food at one of the following collection sites on Nov. 14:

• Trinity Presbyterian Church (LINK), 651 Dranesville Road, Herndon. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Community of Faith UMC Food Pantry, 13224 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Cornerstones, 11484 Washington Plaza West, Reston. 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
• Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry), 1133 Reston Ave., Herndon 11:30 a.m.-2 p.m.

Patch has partnered with Feeding America to help raise awareness on behalf of the millions of Americans facing hunger. Feeding America, which supports 200 food banks across the country, estimates that in 2020, more than 54 million Americans will not have enough nutritious food to eat due to the effects of the coronavirus pandemic. This is a Patch social good project; Feeding America receives 100 percent of donations. Find out how you can donate in your community or find a food pantry near you.