Manchester Cub Scouts deliver 437 pounds of food to Community Resource Center

Cub Scout leader Jennifer Hagood and grandson Damian Rose deliver what the Cub Scouts collected during this year’s Scouting for Food food drive. Photo courtesy of Manchester Community Resource Center.

submitted by Carol Wotring, executive director, Manchester Community Resource Center

The Manchester Community Resource Center (CRC) received a significant boost to its food pantry last week, thanks to the efforts of local Cub Scouts, who participated in the annual “Scouting for Food” food drive.

Under the coordination of Cub Scout leader Jennifer Hagood, scouts distributed plastic bags throughout the community with notes requesting donations of non-perishable food items and essential supplies for the CRC. Community members filled the bags by November 8, and the scouts returned to collect them from doorsteps across Manchester.

On November 11, Hagood and her grandson, Damian Rose, delivered the results of the drive to the Community Resource Center: 437 pounds of food and non-food essential items!

The Community Resource Center is grateful for this food drive and proud of the young Manchester Cub Scouts for their dedication to helping neighbors. This donation comes at a time when the food pantry is experiencing increased demand, and the scouts’ efforts help ensure continued service to the community.

The Scouting for Food program connects young people with community service while addressing food insecurity. Participating scouts will earn a patch recognizing their contribution to this service project.

The donation included canned goods, pasta, cereal, personal care items, and other pantry staples that will stock the shelves of the CRC food pantry. Some of the food will also be utilized in the Weekend Kids Meal program, which provides weekly meal kits for MCS students.

The CRC relies on community support to maintain its food pantry and other programs, including emergency financial assistance and the Weekend Kids Meals program. The CRC provides these safety net services for Manchester, Bridgewater, Freedom, and Sharon townships. Donations like the Cub Scouts’ collection help ensure shelves remain stocked to meet community needs.

The Manchester Cub Scouts demonstrated that even young community members can make a meaningful difference through organized service and neighborly generosity.

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by Sara Swanson

Sara Swanson is an editor, writer and a founder of the Manchester Mirror.