Scouts Helping Our Communities

Scouting for Food is an annual service project organized by Scouts throughout Erie Shores Council. Each year, Scouts distribute door tags in local communities and return the following week to collect donated food items for area food pantries.

Through this program, Scouts help local families facing food insecurity while giving youth an opportunity to practice the Scout Oath and Law through service.

In 2026, Scouting for Food is proudly sponsored by Garlic Expressions.

2026 Program Dates

Erie Shores Council - Spring

• April 11, 2026 - Door Tag Distribution

• April 12, 2026 - Donation Pick-Up

Wood District - Fall

• October 17, 2026 - Door Tag Distribution

• October 24, 2026 - Donation Pick-Up

Eagle Bay District - Fall

• November 7, 2026 - Door Tag Distribution

• November 15, 2026 - Donation Pick-Up

Fill Out Your Unit's Commitment Form Here

*Door tag distribution and donation collection should take place within your unit's designated area.

For Participating Scout Units

Before Your Food Drive

• Make sure Erie Shores Council has your current-year Unit Commitment Form on file.

• Door tags are available on a first-come, first-served basis, beginning in September each year.

• Please allow up to three days to receive door tags after your commitment form has been received.

• The contact person listed on the commitment form will receive confirmation and pick-up information.

Distributing Door Tags

• Travel in groups of two or more Scouts with appropriate adult supervision and follow Two-Deep Leadership.

• Wear your Field Uniform.

• Distribute door tags to private residences only.

• Do not distribute tags to businesses or apartment complexes.

• Never place door tags in or attach them to U.S. mailboxes. Hang them on the residence's door.

• Do not enter homes.

Collecting Donations

• Return to your designated area on the scheduled collection date.

• Pick up donations in a timely manner.

• Do not enter homes.

• Wear your Field Uniform.

• Contact your food pantry partner ahead of time to coordinate delivery of collected donations.

• Take plenty of photos of Scouts participating in the food drive for use on social media. Please use #ScoutBecause.

Reporting Your Service

After donations have been collected, don't forget to record your unit's service hours in the Activity log on Scoutbook Plus.

Be sure to include:

• Total service hours

• Number of Scouts and adults participating

• Number of food items collected

Once your service hours have been entered and verified, your unit will be eligible to receive free Scouting for Food patches. Patches may also be purchased in advance for $1.00 each.

Food Pantry Partners

Scouting for Food is more efficient when Scouts and local food pantries work together.

If your organization is a food pantry or community organization helping individuals and families facing food insecurity, we would love to hear from you.

Use our Food Pantry Connection Form to tell us about your organization. We will use this information to connect local food pantry partners with nearby Scouting units participating in Scouting for Food.