Thousands of Boy Scouts from the Three Harbors Council went door to door in Milwaukee, Racine and Kenosha counties yesterday collecting food in an effort to help feed our hungry neighbors. Together, they collected 143,864 pounds of food. The Milwaukee County Boy Scouts collected 102,339 pounds of food for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. Boy Scouts collected 41,525 pounds of food in Racine and Kenosha to benefit local hunger relief programs in those communities. Since 1987 the Milwaukee County Boy Scouts have collected more than 3.6 million pounds of food for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

The food was boxed up at seven local collection points throughout Milwaukee County and then volunteer drivers from Schneider National Trucking delivered the boxes to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin. The food will be distributed to Milwaukee County food pantries, meal programs and shelters. “We are thankful to have the Boy Scouts as a partner in hunger relief. The scouts are demonstrating compassion for their communities while learning about giving back and supporting those most in need,” said Charles McLimans, President/CEO of Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin.

Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin has experienced a 24% increase in food distribution over the last two years. This food drive will help stock the shelves of local hunger relief programs. 377,000 people, including 124,000 children, rely on food from Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin for their next meal.

If the Boy Scouts didn’t make it to your house or if you would still like to contribute to the food drive, you can make a donation of nonperishable food items at participating Pick ’n Save stores through March 29. Please place your donation in the Boy Scout food drive barrel near the checkout.