Nov. 17 is 37th Annual Scouts' Food Drive in New Providence

New Providence's Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will join together once again with Faith Lutheran Church for the annual Scouting for Food drive. Now in its 37th year, this community-wide event collects non-perishable items for local food pantries as well as families and individuals served by the Community Service Association of New Providence.

Boy Scouts and Cub Scouts will deliver grocery bags to Borough residents' homes on Saturday, November 10 and Sunday, November 11. On Saturday, November 17, they will return to pick up the filled bags and bring the food items to Faith Lutheran Church where they will be sorted, packed, and prepared for distribution to the Starfish Food Pantry. A portion of the food items are given to struggling New Providence families who receive assistance from the CSA.

Hilary McCarron, New Providence mom and volunteer organizer for the Boy Scouts/Cub Scouts, said, “Last year over $37,000 in non-perishable food was collected through the generosity of New Providence residents. As we look ahead to the holiday season, we are mindful that there are those who struggle financially to put food on their table. Our Scouts in the town of New Providence continue to exemplify the scout oath by taking part in this drive. We thank the New Providence community and our local supermarkets for their generous support.”

She reminded drivers that kids will be out and about on these days, “We ask local drivers to use caution as the boys head door-to-door and cross streets for this important effort."

In addition to staples such as pasta, soup, and cereal, other items needed for the food drive include mayonnaise, ketchup, mustard, pancake mix, and pancake syrup. The groups respectfully ask that residents do not send in food items past their expiration dates.

Scouting for Food would not be possible without the support of area grocery stores including Kings in Summit and Stop & Shop in Berkeley Heights (at press time). These stores generously donate more than 5,000 grocery bags to the cause.

For more information, contact: John Malinauskas at the CSA (908) 665-8254.