Several million Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Explorers will be "Scouting for Food" nationwide on Nov. 12 and 19 in a national "good turn" sponsored by the Boy Scouts of America.
Possibly the largest food drive in the history of America, the campaign will be held to help alleviate hunger on a national scale.The drive is endorsed by the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. In Utah, for example, a letter encouraging participation was sent by members of the Utah South Area and Utah North Area presidencies to regional representatives, stake presidents and bishops.
The letter, signed by Elder J. Thomas Fyans, who was then president of the Utah North Area, and his counselors, Elders William R. Bradford and Victor L. Brown; and by Elder Vaughn J. Featherstone, president of the Utah South area, and his counselors, Elders Paul H. Dunn and Russell C. Taylor, reads:
"The Scout-age young men and Cub Scout-age boys will have a marvelous opportunity in November to do a good turn.' As a national good turn, the Boy Scouts of America are sponsoring a program entitledScouting for Food.'
"The plan calls for your boys, particularly the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts, to distribute plastic bags door-to-door on Saturday, Nov. 12. Residents will be asked to place non-perishable food in the bags. Cubs and Scouts will return on Saturday, Nov. 19, to pick up the bags. Varsity Scouts and Explorers, in addition to helping with the placement and collection of the bags, will be involved in loading boxes and assisting at central collection points. Adult supervision will be important at all times. . . .
" `Scouting for Food' is a cooperative effort and will involve many public-spirited people and organizations in your community. The food which is collected will be distributed to needy individuals regardless of their religious preference. We also note that this effort, coming as it does on the Saturday just prior to Thanksgiving, provides a meaningful way for our people to show gratitude for our blessings by sharing with others who are in need.
"This activity accomplishes a priesthood purpose, and the potential for good is tremendous. With your support, it is anticipated that this project will be a major source of food for the needy in our communities over the next year. We consider this to be a very worthwhile project. We encourage your support and participation. The service your young men will render in this project will greatly benefit them, as well as the needy."
Participating in Utah are the Great Salt Lake, Lake Bonneville, Cache and Utah National Parks councils.
Larry V. Lunt, Great Salt Lake Council vice president for relationships and council chairman of the food drive, said the potential for good that will come from the project is enormous.
"Last year, just the Great Salt Lake Council was involved in Utah. Four hundred units were involved, and about 60 tons of food was collected. This year, all four councils will be participating, with a potential of nearly 120,000 young men in almost 8,500 units," Lunt said.
Health regulations require that only commercially canned or packaged food be contributed. Nothing perishable, frozen or in glass can be accepted.
Michael McBride, an Explorer and priest in the Orchard 10th Ward, Woods Cross Utah East Stake, said that he had an exciting and enjoyable time participating in last year's collection effort and is looking forward to the event again this year.
"I'm going to be out this year with my (Scouting) unit to unload food," said McBride, who likened the satisfaction he gains from such projects to the joy of being motivated by the spirit during an inspirational talk.
"It's kind of like a warm feeling, the enjoyment and fun you have doing it and seeing where the effort goes," said McBride, a junior at Woods Cross High School.
Dr. Lowell L. Bennion, executive director emeritus of the Community Services Council, said the cry for food in the Salt Lake Valley has more than doubled during the past three years.
"People who need food are mainly elderly individuals on low, fixed incomes, women with children and without husbands and unemployed people," he said.
Lt. Col. Reece Stein, Utah National Guard public affairs officer, said the National Guard is pleased to include the food collection effort as part of its community relations program.
"Practically every unit in the state will be involved in the collection of food and storage," Stein said.
Donated food in the Salt Lake area will be distributed from the Community Services Council's Food Bank to local food pantries and feeding stations.
