Focusing on Hunger in America

Over the next few weekends, Scouts will be out in force to gather canned good and other non-perishable foods for our annual Scouting for Food collection. These goods are a critical lifeline for food pantries across our country that give help to individuals and families in need.

A shocking number of U.S. families are in need of basic food items.  According 2012 hunger and poverty statistics from the USDA and Feeding America, 49.0 million Americans (14.5 percent) lived in “food insecure” households (the statistical measurement of hunger or near hunger), including 33.1 million adults and 15.9 million children. That’s more than one in ten households across the nation.

Graphic courtesy of USDA Economic Research Service

This time of year – the fast-approaching holiday season – is when the needs of the hungry get the most visibility.  Our Scouts cook up some unique ideas for boosting donations, like Halloween haunted houses and Walks for Hunger. While our contributions from Scouting for Food and other food drives are helpful, they do not solve the nationwide issue of hunger. Strong communities can make a difference in making sure the needs of their residents are addressed. We believe the values we teach our Scouts to help make sure they are “Prepared. For Life” help them become better citizens, seasoned leaders and strong contributors to their communities. In that way, Scouting can help build strong communities that can assist the needy among them and help reduce the problem of hunger, poverty, and other quality-of-life issues.

How do you address the needs of the hungry in your community? Is this a year-round priority for you, or do you ramp up your efforts around the holidays?  Let us know about your most effective fundraisers and how you get people involved.

Thanks!

Wayne