People’s United Bank partnering with Boy Scouts to fight food insecurity

On Saturday, November 3, Boy Scouts from all over Southern Maine will canvas Southern Maine door to door, delivering flyers that ask Mainers to support this year’s People’s United Bank Scouting for Food Drive.  A week later, on November 10, Scouts will return to these same homes in hopes of  collecting non-perishable items for the Good Shepherd Food Bank and its partner agencies.

“We are pleased to partner with the Boy Scouts for a second year to secure food for our neighbors in need in Maine,” says Daniel Thornton, Maine Market President for People's United Bank. “Many of us take for granted that we can walk into a grocery store and purchase what we need on a daily basis.” 

Thousands of Scouts and adult volunteers annually participate in this two-weekend food drive which spans the 10 Maine counties within the Pine Tree Council, the Boy Scouts of America.  According to Scout Executive/CEO Eric Tarbox, “over 20 tons of food were collected last year. This year our goal is 25 tons, which breaks down to about 25 pounds collected per Scout. This is one of the most rewarding activities our Scouts participate in each Fall. We are grateful to People’s United Bank for stepping up to sponsor this year’s food drive.”

Maine ranks 16^th in the nation and 1^st in New England in food insecurity, and more than 208,000 Mainers are food insecure. “People’s United Bank is pleased to be involved in Scouting for Food this year,” said Katie Shorey, Community Relations Director for People’s United Bank.  “Food insecurity is an issue that is very important within our organization.  We look forward to involving our staff in this effort by offering our branches as collection points again this year.”

Judy McKula, Assistant Scout Director for the Pine Tree Council, BSA, summed it up like this: “Scouting for Food not only helps fellow Mainers who suffer from food insecurity, but more importantly our Scouts have the opportunity to practice the principles of Scouting which help them become better citizens in their communities.”

About the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America

Serving more than 6000 coed youth and 2500 registered volunteers, the Pine Tree Council, Boy Scouts of America is one of the nation’s foremost youth programs of character development and values-based leadership training.  For more information on Scouting, please contact The Pine Tree Council, BSA, at 207-797-5252.