CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA (CVILLE RIGHT NOW) – The Blue Ridge Area Food Bank announces the results of the 2024 Scouting for Food campaign, which took place over the first two Saturdays in November. A BRAFB release says “thanks to the incredible efforts of local Scout Troops from the Shenandoah Area and Virginia Headwaters Councils, the initiative resulted in a total impact of 51,081 meals for neighbors living with food insecurity through 39,636 pounds of food and $3,815 in donations. The Food Bank’s Les Sinclair writes this year’s success builds upon an impressive legacy of service. Since the program began in 1985, Scouts have collectively contributed 982,803 pounds of food, along with cash donations, translating into about 828,540 meals for families across central and western Virginia. The Food Bank didn’t start formally tracking donations for this event until 2012.

“We are deeply grateful to the Scouts, their families, and the community for their generosity and their dedication to helping people,” said Livia Marrs, volunteer and food drive manager at the Blue Ridge Area Food Bank. “The Scouting for Food drive is a testament to the power of collective action, helping us solve hunger, every day.”
On November 2, Scouts distributed door hangers in local neighborhoods, encouraging residents to prepare food donations. One week later, on November 9, the Scouts returned to collect these donations. The contributions were then delivered to the Food Bank and its network of community partners for distribution across the community.