10/28/2025
Local Scouts Ask for Public to Support Doorstep Food Collection Drive
Annual drive steps up efforts to address unprecedented food insecurity
October 24, 2025 – Washington, DC For 39 years, Scouts across the Washington, DC metropolitan area have united to fight hunger through their annual “Scouting for Food” campaign. This fall, the Scouting America National Capital Area Council (NCAC) will once
again mobilize thousands of youth and families to collect food donations for neighbors facing food insecurity.
In advance of the collection day, Scouts will distribute notes on doors to inform residents about the drive. On Saturday, November 8, 2025, Scouts will return to neighborhoods to gather nonperishable food items left out by community members. Residents who receive a notice on their door are encouraged to leave their donations in bags or boxes on their doorsteps for easy
pickup.
This service project reflects the values of Scouting America, especially the commitment to “help other people at all times,” as stated in the Scout Oath and “Do a Good Turn Daily.” It’s a hands-on way for young people to live out the principles of service, kindness, and civic responsibility.
“In 2024, our Scouts collected more than 468,000 pounds of food to support families in need throughout our Council area,” said Mario A. Pérez, CEO and Scout Executive/CEO of NCAC. “We know that a significant number of residents in our region are facing food insecurity right now. Our Scouts, their families, and adult leaders are stepping up to make a meaningful impact. Scouting for Food is a powerful example of how we prepare youth for lives of purpose and service.”
Scouting for Food is one of the largest annual food drives in the region, engaging Scouts aged 5 to 20 across the District of Columbia; Maryland counties including Frederick, Montgomery,
Prince George’s, Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s; and Virginia counties including Arlington, Fairfax, Loudoun, Prince William, Fauquier, Spotsylvania, Caroline, King George, Stafford, and
Culpeper—as well as the cities of Alexandria, Falls Church, Fairfax, Manassas, Manassas Park, and Fredericksburg.
The urgency of this effort is underscored by the Capital Area Food Bank’s Hunger Report 2025, which reveals that 36% of residents in the Greater Washington Region continue to face food insecurity. Even more concerning, the number of people experiencing very low food security— the most severe category—has grown by 75,000 in the past year alone. To learn more, read the full report at: Capital Area Food Bank Hunger Report 2025.
Held each fall before Thanksgiving, Scouting for Food helps stock the shelves of local food banks during the critical holiday season. The community’s support is essential.
Most-needed items include:
• Canned proteins (tuna, chicken, salmon)
• Peanut butter
• Pasta, rice, and other grains
• Whole grain cereals and oatmeal
• Canned vegetables and fruits
Together, Scouts and their neighbors are making a difference—one doorstep and one donation at a time.
Scouting America Scouting America National Capital Area Council
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