DAVENPORT, IOWA – Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa and Western Illinois and Scouting America Illowa Council are uniting to relaunch Scouting for Food. Scouts from both organizations will hit neighborhoods Nov. 15 to collect donated items with all donations benefiting River Bend Food Bank. 
“We’re excited to engage Scouts from both organizations in this great initiative,” said Illowa Council CEO Ray Brauer. “Scouting For Food is not only about bringing in needed food, it is also about developing youth leadership, citizenship and building an awareness of the need for hunger relief right at home.”
This regional food drive spans multiple cities and includes about 1,000 Scouts from both organizations participating. Scouts dropped off sticky notes in selected neighborhoods requesting residents leave canned goods, dry cereals, soups and other non-perishable items by their front door for pick up on Nov. 15.
River Bend Food Bank President & CEO Chris Ford said he’s pleased to see Scouting for Food relaunch after about a 10-year hiatus.
“We know feeding a community takes a community,” Ford said. “Young Scouts connecting with hundreds of homes in River Bend Food Bank’s service area provides hunger relief for our neighbors and builds awareness of food insecurity among the kids and our community alike.”
The Scouting for Food donated items will help fill the shelves of River Bend’s 400+ hunger-relief partners. Last year, River Bend distributed 17 million meals and moved 500,000 pounds of food every week from the warehouse to pantries, meal sites and other community programs.
“We’re thrilled to see kids from both Girl Scouts and Scouting America teaming up for good,” said Diane Nelson, CEO of Girl Scouts of Eastern Iowa & Western Illinois. “This program is a great opportunity to build their confidence, practice leadership, and develop character while serving our community. They are excited to knock on doors, bring in food to support River Bend Food Bank and make an impact.”