SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - The Golden Empire Council of Scouting BSA, hosted the annual “Scouting for Food” drive on March 11, 2023, with more than 3,000 scouts and family members participating. The food collected was distributed amongst 16 counties in Northern California.

The program “Scouting for Food” has been operated by the local council for at least 20 years. Every year, scouts and their families coordinate to pick-up food in their neighborhoods and drop-off at local foodbanks. These efforts provide seniors, children, and low-income families with nutritious food in their time of need.

“The annual Scouting for Food is a fantastic event which our scouts can help many families across Northern California. Once again, I am proud to be part of this organization and see the amazing work our scouts and their families are doing to make an impact in their communities,” said Scouting for Food Director and District Executive, Jose Zavala.

Golden Empire Council’s 2023 Scouting for Food drive collected more than 55 thousand pounds of food as well as $3,162 in monetary donations.

“Scouting for Food is such a wonderful opportunity for scouts in our area to come together and make a direct positive impact on the community. While partnering with food banks across the state, thousands of youths and adult volunteers work cheerfully to help those in need, even in the rain!” said James Rhodes-Dreyer, Scout Executive, “It is the commitment to the ‘Scout Law’ which includes being helpful, friendly, kind, and cheerful that enables the Scouts to be successful.”

GEC has been providing leadership development for youth and their families since 1920 while serving over 7,000 youth in 16 counties. Their mission is to prepare young people to make moral and ethical choices over their lifetimes, by instilling them with the values of the Scout Oath and Law. Their program hosts camps, events, and many exciting activities for boys and girls. For more information, visit www.gec-bsa.org and join Scouting today.