The Grand Teton Council of the Boy Scouts of America collected 8,000 pounds of food items for its annual “Scouting for Food” drive Saturday, according to a press release. The group asks any additional non-perishable food items to be dropped off at the local Scouts office or in bins at participating storefronts.

“It was a great day,” Grand Teton Council District Director Elias Lopez said. “It was chilly, but you know we’re glad that we were able to do our part for those in need and helping out the food bank. They sure need a lot of help this year.”

Lopez said this year’s drive had a different format than what locals are used to. Scouts no longer have the manpower they once had, so instead of going door to door they partnered with storefronts to have drop-off locations. The 8,000 pounds of food collected will go to local food banks.

“More than ever, we need the entire community to pitch in, ensuring that our network of emergency food providers are able to continue providing food to those in need,” Executive Director of Community Food Basket Ariel Jackson stated in the release. “More than 40% of those we serve are children. We are feeding more families than we served at the height of the pandemic.”

This year’s drive involved over 225 adult volunteers and young men and women Scouts, according to the release.

“Not only does the program go a long way towards feeding the hungry in our area, but the Scouts learn valuable lessons in performing a needed service for their communities,” Lopez stated in the release. “They are demonstrating their citizenship and active roles in helping others.”

Lopez said non-perishable food items can still be dropped off at storefronts through the end of October. Participating stores include Albertson’s, Broulim’s and Sam’s Club. Community members with donations are also welcome to drop off items at the local scouts office or call in and ask for items to be picked up.

The Scouts office in Idaho Falls is located at 3910 S. Yellowstone Highway and can be contacted at 208-522-5155.

According to a flyer, most needed items include dry pasta, cereal, mac and cheese, canned tuna, canned pasta, canned fruit, tomato sauce, canned beans, peanut butter, spaghetti sauce, diced tomatoes and bagged rice.