Scouting for Food

Serving Others… It’s the American Way

Each February, thousands of Scouts across Utah, southern Idaho, and western Wyoming take part in Scouting for Food— one of the region’s largest youth-led service projects. Together with community partners, they collect and deliver hundreds of thousands of pounds of food to local food banks and pantries that serve families in need.

This year’s campaign, themed “Serving Others… It’s the American Way,” is part of the nationwide America250 celebration — honoring 250 years of American character, citizenship, and community service.

“Scouting for Food is more than a service project — it’s a living expression of what makes America strong: neighbors helping neighbors,” said Lorna Koci, Scouting for Food Chair “When youth serve others, they learn compassion, leadership, and responsibility — values that have guided our nation for generations.”

Campaign At A Glance...

• Collection Date: February 7, 2026
• Goal: 120,000 pounds of food
• Participants: Over 6,000 Scouts and 2,500 adult volunteers
• Beneficiaries: Local community food pantries throughout Utah, southern Idaho, and western Wyomin
• Partners: Smith’s, Young Automotive Group, Arctic Circle, Bank of Utah, Red Hanger Cleaners, YESCO, Dominos, Chick-fil-A, Mtn Ops, Souper Bowl of Caring, Utah National Guard and other local sponsors

Last year, Scouts collected 120,000 pounds of food, proving that when a community comes together, small acts of service create big impact.

How It Works...

On Saturday, February 7, 2026, visit your local Smith’s Grocery Store to take part in Scouting for Food!
As you arrive, you’ll be greeted by Scouts who will share a list of food items most needed by community food pantries in your area.

While you shop for your regular groceries — don’t forget the chip dip for your Super Bowl party! — simply add a few extra non-perishable items from the Scouts’ list to your cart.

Before you leave the store, drop those donated items into the Scouting for Food collection boxes near the exit. From there, Scouts will work side-by-side with members of the Utah National Guard to transport donations to local pantry shelves across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming.

It’s an easy, meaningful way to serve others — and a perfect reminder that Serving Others… It’s the American Way.

Why It Matters...

In Utah, 1 in 10 children face food insecurity. Many families rely on community pantries to bridge the gap.
Scouting for Food provides critical support during the winter months — and offers young people a hands-on way to make a lasting difference.

“This effort shows what happens when civic groups, businesses, and families unite for a common cause,” said Ken Jeppesen, Council President for the Crossroads of the West Council. “Scouting for Food is service in action — it’s the American Way.”

Ways To Participate...

• Shop and Donate – Visit your local Smith’s Grocery Store on Saturday, February 7, 2026. Scouts will greet you at the entrance with a list of food items most needed by local pantries. As you shop for your regular groceries (and grab your Super Bowl chip dip!), add a few extra items to your cart and place them in the Scouting for Food collection boxes on your way out.
• Volunteer – Scouts, families, civic groups, and community members are encouraged to help collect, sort, and deliver food donations. Volunteers also assist local food banks after the drive to restock shelves and organize supplies.
• Spread the Word – Share your Scouting for Food story on social media using #ScoutingForFood and #America250. Every post helps raise awareness and inspires others to serve.
• Follow the Story – Visit our Council News page for press releases, campaign highlights, and community stories from across Utah, Idaho, and Wyoming. Reporters and media outlets are welcome to reference these materials or request interviews.
• Scout Units – Click here for more information

Donation Locations...

Check out the map below to find a collection site.

Support Local Food Pantries

Monetary donations help local pantries stretch resources, meet urgent needs, and serve more families. Give locally and make an immediate impact.

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