Members from Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts pack 40 completed a Scouting for Food event Saturday, Oct. 25.
Beginning at 9 a.m., the groups made tours through Mount Vernon and Lisbon looking for donations left at the curb by community members. Another group of volunteers looked through the donations to check expiration dates on food items.
Southeast Linn Community Center director Nicole McAlexander said it is always gratifying to see the level of commitment that the community supports the food pantry with this event.
With the federal government shutdown extending for another week and now impacting the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Plan funding beginning in November, the support for food pantries is going to be important.
“Whenever we see any federal aid retreat, we see usage of the food pantry increase,” McAlexander said. “In this instance, many people don’t use our food pantry if they have access to SNAP benefits.”
McAlexander said that November through December are the steepest amount of usage for the food pantry as well.
SELCC has been collecting donations when they heard that SNAP benefits may not be offered for many in November, and collected more than $2,500 in just one day. The organization also has a round-up with Gary’s Foods this November as well for additional funding.
“We know this community is always willing to help the pantry,” McAlexander said.
Members of the Scouts said they might do an additional Scouting for Food drive later this November, due to the increased need for the pantries.