Local Boy Scouts collected nearly 360,000 food items Saturday in their annual "Scouting for Food" drive.

Over 10,000 individuals—Boy Scouts and their adult leaders—volunteered 32,000 hours during the effort to collect canned goods and non-perishables that citizens put on their doorsteps throughout Eastern Idaho Saturday morning.

The food items were then brought to the Idaho Food Bank for distribution to needy families.

The Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts said in a press release about this year's food drive: "The need is greater than ever before. With an increase of disadvantaged and homeless people in our area this year, we definitely need some help feeding those less

fortunate than ourselves. The more food donated the better, as demand is projected to go

up in the future."

In addition to providing food for the needy, the "Scouting for Food" effort has many benefits for the participating Boy Scouts.

"Scouting for Food" coordinator Elias Lopez said, "Not only does the program go a long way towards feeding the hungry

in our area, but the Scouts learn valuable lessons such as helping people at all times and

giving back to their communities. They definitely achieve a sense of pride in helping

others."

If you forgot to leave food out for the Scouts on Saturday morning, you can still bring donations to local Boy Scout offices. Contact (208) 522-5155, (208) 785-1622 or (208) 233-4600 for more information.