HUNTERDON COUNTY, N.J. — Scouts across Hunterdon County braved frigid temperatures earlier this winter to collect thousands of pounds of food for local families in need as part of an annual community service effort.
A total of 122 youth volunteers and 76 adult volunteers participated in the Scouting for Food Storefront Collection on Feb. 7, greeting shoppers outside eight grocery stores throughout the county, including Basil Bandwagon locations in Lambertville, Flemington and Clinton; ShopRite stores in Flemington, Clinton and Washington; Walmart in Clinton; and Bishop’s Supermarket in Whitehouse Station.
Despite wind chills dropping to minus-5 degrees, scouts distributed lists of needed items and collected more than 5,600 pounds of food donations, which were later delivered to nine food pantries serving Hunterdon County and surrounding communities.
Store managers worked with scout groups to ensure the collection remained safe in the extreme cold, with some locations allowing volunteers indoors.
“We’re happy we were able to help our community together!” said Nicole Catanero, outreach coordinator for Basil Bandwagon.
Organizers said the annual drive represents one of the largest single-day donation efforts for several participating food pantries.
Tina Nixon, food pantry coordinator for The Outreach Connection, said the scale of the effort stood out.
“saw how big this food drive was, and in such cold weather! [Hunterdon] Scouts not only demonstrated their character and generosity of spirit, but also their determination to help those in need and we are deeply touched and grateful. Our clients will be so happy this week to see their favorites on our shelves, and as we are shelving everything the community provided, we can clearly see how good people stand up for those in need.”
The initiative reflects the Scouting America principle of service, with participants working to address food insecurity in their communities.
Organizers said youth interested in joining scouting programs in Hunterdon County can learn more at beascout.org.
