The Badge Archive

By understanding the deeper needs of these vital community organizations, scouts can take meaningful action that supports food security for everyone, not just during the holidays, but all year long.

The Hidden Needs of Food Banks

• Food Isn’t the Only Need – Storage shelving, reusable grocery bags, boxes for packing, and transportation fuel are all critical to operations. Some food banks also provide personal hygiene and household items.
• Volunteers Are in Short Supply – Many food banks run with a small staff and depend heavily on volunteers to sort donations, pack boxes, assist clients, and distribute meals. Weekend and afterschool help is often in high demand.
• Tech & Admin Help Matters Too – Some food banks need support managing inventory, updating flyers, or helping with social media and digital fundraising—but many lack the bandwidth or technical skills.
• Distribution Is a Huge Challenge – Getting food to those in need, especially homebound or rural families, requires reliable delivery methods. Mobile pantries, ride-along helpers, and delivery support can make all the difference.
• Stigma Hurts Access – Many who need assistance are hesitant to ask for help. Creating a culture of dignity, privacy, and welcome is essential to reducing barriers to service.

How Scouts Can Take Action

Concrete Actions

• Volunteer regularly as a troop or individual to sort, pack, or distribute food.
• Assemble hygiene kits, baby bundles, or pantry starter kits with recipe cards.
• Sew or decorate reusable grocery bags to donate with food orders.
• Host drives focused on high-need items like toilet paper, diapers, and menstrual products.
• Coordinate themed collection events based on your local food bank’s current wish list.

Raise Awareness & Advocate

• Teach younger scouts or classmates about hunger and food bank services.
• Design welcoming flyers or social media graphics that share how to receive support.
• Interview a local food bank staff member and share what you learn in a troop meeting or newsletter.
• Create a storytelling project (with permission) that humanizes hunger through real experiences.

Trusted Resources for Learning More

• Feeding America – National network of food banks with resources, stats, and volunteer connections.
• WhyHunger – Tackles hunger at its root, promoting long-term solutions and equity.
• Food Bank News – Independent journalism covering food security innovations and challenges.

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• Return to the Advocacy Page

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References

• Costanzo, Chris. “Food Banks Carry on amid Threats to Funding – Food Bank News.” Food Bank News, 12 Feb. 2025, foodbanknews.org/food-banks-carry-on-amid-threats-to-funding/. Accessed 19 June 2025.
• Feeding America. “How Do Food Banks Work? .” Feedingamerica.org, 2022, http://www.feedingamerica.org/our-work/food-bank-network. Accessed 19 June 2025.
• “Ways to Help – WhyHunger.” WhyHunger, 19 June 2025, whyhunger.org/ways-to-help/. Accessed 19 June 2025.