Originally Published: April 4, 2024
Local Scouts to Collect Food in Support of Food Bank for the Heartland
This weekend, the Mid-America Council Boy Scouts of America will kick off its annual Scouting for Food drive in Omaha to benefit Food Bank for the Heartland. In partnership with United Way of the Midlands, Werner Enterprises, select area Target stores and Baker’s supermarkets – Scouts are asking for the public’s help in donating nonperishable food items.
Scouting for Food begins on Saturday, April 6, with Scouts canvassing select metro neighborhoods to leave door-sticker notices. For homes that receive a door sticker, Scouts will then return on Saturday, April 13, to collect all food donations that have been bagged and left outside by 8 a.m. For anyone that does not receive a Scouting for Food door sticker but would still like to participate, Werner trucks will be located in the parking lots of select Target stores on Saturday, April 13, between 8 a.m. and 1 p.m. to accept donations. Participating Target locations include: 168th & Maple, 180th & Center, 120th & L and 72nd & Dodge.
“In Scouting, youth learn the importance of giving back to their community and helping others at all times,” said Chris Mehaffey, Mid-America Council CEO and Scout Executive. “A great example of this is our annual Scouting for Food campaign. This is a council-wide, coordinated service project that makes a significant impact in helping feed our neighbors in need. Last year, our Scouts collected an equivalent of 155,900 meals for Food Bank for the Heartland and surrounding pantries, and we are hoping to surpass that number in 2024.”
Scouts and the Food Bank request that donors select nonperishable and unexpired food items, excluding items in glass containers, as they are easily broken. Most commonly needed items include canned meats, peanut butter, canned fruits and vegetables, cereal, pasta and boxed meals.
Food Bank for the Heartland will be also be hosting a press conference for Scouting for Food on Monday, April 8, at 10 a.m. at 10525 J St., Omaha, NE 68127.
For more information about this year’s Scouting for Food campaign, visit mac-bsa.org/scoutingforfood.
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About the Mid-America Council, Boy Scouts of America: Since 1910, the Boy Scouts of America has instilled timeless values of character, citizenship and leadership in each young man and woman who has entered the Scouting program. The Mid-America Council continues this tradition through educational based skills and activities serving 58 counties in Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota. Learn more at mac-bsa.org.
About United Way of the Midlands: For more than 100 years, United Way of the Midlands (UWM) has served the Omaha-Council Bluffs metro by bridging the business and not-for-profit sectors to create a Circle of Support that helps our neighbors overcome difficult challenges and start building a better future. UWM’s funded programs and direct services address social and economic disparities and meet families’ essential needs such as healthy food, safe and stable housing, physical and mental health services, career preparation and job training. Learn more at UnitedWayMidlands.org.
About Food Bank for the Heartland: Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Omaha, NE, Food Bank for the Heartland—a member of Feeding America—is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Our mission is to eliminate hunger in the Heartland by ensuring consistent access to healthy foods through community partnerships. Food Bank for the Heartland works with 555 network partners in 93 counties across Nebraska and western Iowa offering multiple hunger-relief and nutrition programs, helping to break the cycle of food insecurity among children, families, seniors and veterans. Learn more at FoodBankHeartland.org.