WNY Scout Council teams up with FeedMore WNY, Tops Friendly Markets to hold 'Scouting for Food' drive

The Western New York Scout Council of Boy Scouts of America will go door-to-door collecting food donations for FeedMore WNY and area pantries this month through its “Scouting for Food” initiative. The Western New York Scout Council is partnering with Tops Friendly Markets and FeedMore WNY to expand the food drive and ensure more donations for neighbors experiencing food insecurity.

On Saturday, March 16, Western New York-area Boy Scouts will distribute fliers throughout their respective neighborhoods to notify the community of the campaign. Then on Saturday, March 23, the Scouts will return to those neighborhoods to collect bags of nonperishable food donations. In addition, the Boy Scouts will be present at several Tops Friendly Market stores throughout Erie, Niagara, Genesee, Orleans and Wyoming counties on March 23 to collect donations for the “Scouting for Food” drive. The donations will be delivered to FeedMore WNY and area food pantries to help alleviate food insecurity in Western New York.

Gary Decker, Scout executive and CEO of the Western New York Scout Council, BSA, said, “As Scouts, we know how fortunate we are to have a warm meal every night – whether around the campfire or at the kitchen table, and we know that not everyone is so lucky. That’s the genesis of ‘Scouting for Food,’ our annual food collection drive that is supported by the Western New York Scout Council. It is also another way that our Scouts are making a positive difference in our local communities.”

Scouts participating in this collection will be working toward a new activity badge, showing their commitment to helping those less fortunate in their community. The badges are being donated by Tops Friendly Markets.

“Tops’ mission is to help eradicate hunger and improve the quality of lives of children and families,” said Tim Schilling, community relations specialist for Tops. “As long-time partners with both the Western New York Scout Council and FeedMore WNY, we’re proud to work together as we combat food insecurity in the communities we serve.”

FeedMore WNY President and CEO Tara A. Ellis added, “We appreciate the support of the Western New York Scout Council and Tops Friendly Markets as we continue to provide nutritious food to our neighbors in need. The ‘Scouting for Food’ drive is a great opportunity for community members to come together and help alleviate food insecurity right here in Western New York.

More About FeedMore WNY

FeedMore WNY offers dignity, hope and a brighter future by providing nutritious food, friendship and skills training to its Western New York neighbors in need. Through its food bank distribution center and partner hunger-relief agencies, as well as its home-delivered meal program, other targeted feeding programs and RISE workforce development training, FeedMore WNY alleviates hunger and assists community members of all ages throughout Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie and Niagara counties. More information is available at www.feedmorewny.org.

More About Tops Friendly Markets

Based in Williamsville, Tops Markets currently operates 148 grocery stores in New York, Pennsylvania, and Vermont, including five that are run by franchisees. For more information, visit www.topsmarkets.com.

More About Western New York Scout Council, Boy Scouts of America

The Western New York Scout Council, BSA, serves over 6,000 youth and adults in the communities of Erie, Genesee, Livingston, Niagara, Orleans and Wyoming counties. Scouting programs include Cub Scouts for youth in grades K-5, Scouts BSA for youth ages 11 to 17, Venturing, Sea Scouts and Exploring for youth ages 14 to 20.