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Scouting for Food Drive Collects 190,000 lbs of Food for Needy

[CREDIT: Troop 63] Troop 63 Scouts contributed to the more than 190,000 pounds of food collected during this year's Scouting for Food drive.

[CREDIT: Troop 63] Troop 63 Scouts contributed to the more than 190,000 pounds of food collected during this year's Scouting for Food drive.
[CREDIT: Troop 63] Troop 63 Scouts contributed to the more than 190,000 pounds of food collected during this year’s Scouting for Food drive.
[CREDIT: Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau] Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau Scouts contributed to the Scouting for Food drive.
[CREDIT: Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau] Troop 1 Gaspee Plateau Scouts contributed to the Scouting for Food drive.

PROVIDENCE, RI – The Narragansett Council, Boy Scouts of America held its 32nd Annual “Scouting for Food Good Turn” drive Nov. 2 across Rhode Island, Southeastern Massachusetts and Connecticut, collecting 190,000 pounds of food.

Thousands of Scouts distributed door hangers to neighbors’ homes seeking donations of  non-perishable canned goods. The annual initiative, the largest food drive in New England, highlighted one of Scouting’s primary focuses – doing a “Good Turn” daily. This year, through a partnership started in 2018, Ocean State Job Lot donated 33,000 pounds of food, contributing to the the total collection.

More than 200 Scouting Packs and Troops from across Southern New England participated in the drive by collecting canned goods from families and individuals.  Donation pick-ups were on Saturday, Nov. 2 starting at 9 a.m., and were delivered to the Rhode Island Community Food Bank and other local food pantries.

“Scouting for Food brings the community together to help our neighbors in need,” said Carl Papino, first year Chairman of the food drive. “In 2018, Scouting For Food delivered 270,827 pounds of food for those in need. We were proud to donate another 190,000 pounds of food this year to alleviate hunger in our communities, with the generous help of Ocean State Job Lot.”

Joe DeStefano, the longtime Chairman of Scouting for Food for over 31 years, passed away in July at the age of 94. Under his leadership, the Scouts collected more than 9.2 million pounds of food for neighbors in need. Joe’s commitment to Scouting For Food each year was a testament to his service to Scouting and the community.

Papino had been active in Scouting for more than 50 years before becoming Chairman in July. He has held numerous volunteer positions with the Scouts, and served for five years as Associate District Executive in the former Pokanoket District, and District Executive in the former Sachem District. Carl’s two sons are Eagle Scouts, and his daughter earned the Silver Award from the Girl Scouts of the USA.

Each month, 53,000 Rhode Islanders seek food assistance through the Food Bank’s network of emergency food programs. 12.4% of Rhode Island households struggle to afford nutritious meals, and 5.6% of Rhode Island households experience severe hunger. A total of 120,000 Rhode Islanders live in poverty.

“The Scouting for Food Drive is our biggest food drive of the year,” said Andrew Schiff, Chief Executive Officer of the Rhode Island Community Food Bank. “It comes at a critical time as winter approaches. We’re so thankful for everyone who contributed including the Scouts and their families who work so hard to help our neighbors in need.”

[CREDIT: Troop 63] Troop 63 Scouts contributed to the more than 190,000 pounds of food collected during this year's Scouting for Food drive.
[CREDIT: Troop 63] Troop 63 Scouts contributed to the more than 190,000 pounds of food collected during this year’s Scouting for Food drive.
Rob Borkowski
Author: Rob Borkowski

Rob has worked as reporter and editor for several publications, including The Kent County Daily Times and Coventry Courier, before working for Gatehouse in MA then moving home with Patch Media. Now he's publisher and editor of WarwickPost.com. Contact him at [email protected] with tips, press releases, advertising inquiries, and concerns.

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