As the holiday season approaches, Scouts throughout the East Bay are preparing to once again bring neighbors together for one of the region’s largest annual community service efforts: the Scouting for Food drive.
Scouting for Food has been collecting food for families in need since 1988. The national program has grown into the country’s largest single-day food collection effort, with Scouts and community members working together to help put food on the tables of families across the nation.
This November, Scouts in the Mission Peak District will reach thousands of households throughout Union City, Fremont and Newark. More than 80,000 door hangers will be distributed to remind residents about the upcoming collection.
Residents are asked to gather non-perishable food items and gently-used clothing and place their donations in a clearly visible location near the street by 9am on Saturday, Nov. 14. Scouts will collect the donations and transport them to the local collection center at Holy Spirit Church.
Food collected during the drive will remain in the local community and be distributed to Alameda County residents through the Alameda County Community Food Bank and Viola Blythe Community Services. Clothing donations will be sent to families in Mexico through JC Imports in Union City.
Financial contributions can also make a significant difference. Because of the Alameda County Community Food Bank’s bulk purchasing capabilities, each dollar donated can provide as much as seven times the food available through retail purchasing.
Last year, Scouts from the Mission Peak District collected 52,100 pounds of food, 1,000 clothing
items and $6,300 in donations, contributing more than 5,700 hours of community service. As
inflation continues to impact families, this year’s drive carries special importance for those
struggling to make ends meet. Donations from local residents can provide meaningful assistance to families who are struggling to keep up with household expenses.
Residents who prefer to deliver their donations themselves on collection day can bring them to:
Holy Spirit Church
37588 Fremont Blvd., Fremont
Drop-off hours: 10am to 2:30pm on Saturday, Nov. 14
For additional information about the Scouting for Food program, visit goldengatescouting.org/scouting-for-food.
