SCOUTING FOR FOOD
What is Scouting for Food?
One of our most visible and impactful community service initiatives is Scouting for Food, which directly addresses food insecurity across the region. Scouting for Food is the largest annual service project coordinated by the Indian Nations Council. Each year, thousands of Scouts, parents, and volunteers canvass neighborhoods across northeast Oklahoma to collect non-perishable food donations. These donations are picked up and then distributed to local food banks and pantries.
Why participate in Scouting For Food?
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Food insecurity remains one of the most pressing challenges in our community. Based on research from Feeding America, Oklahoma consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of hunger, with children disproportionately affected. Many families face the difficult decision between paying for housing, utilities, and medical bills - or putting food on the table.
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Scouting for Food is a project rooted in the very foundation of the Scouting movement. Through initiative and hard work, the Scouts have developed a framework that can help local food pantries feed tens of thousands of local residents with emergency aid. During recent months, the community’s need for additional help has increased greatly. Only with the help of each individual unit can we make this campaign for our community a true success!
About 15.4% of Oklahoma households are food insecure
More than 50% who access food pantries are fully employed
More than 60% of children in Oklahoma rely on free or reduced-price school meals
1 in 4 children in Oklahoma is food insecure
Approximately 1 in 6 adults and seniors in Oklahoma are food insecure
Nearly one-quarter of Oklahomans participated in SNAP at some point in 2023
