Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council Cub Scout Pack 60 from Jordan Lutheran Church recently joined Kathy Craine from WFMZ and David Jaindl at Jaindl Farms, Orefield, to kick off the 2013 Scouting for Food community food drive.

"Forty-seven percent of the people who come to all soup kitchens and food pantries for their only warm meal are kids under the age of 10 years old," said Scouting for Food Chairperson Craine. "That is astounding. The numbers are growing, so it is so important you raid your pantry so we can feed local pantries and make sure everyone has a hot meal every week."

Craine said items needed include personal hygiene items, baby formula, diapers, canned meats, fruits, vegetables and non-perishable foods such as pasta, macaroni and cheese, rice, cereal and oatmeal.

Jaindl said this is his first year becoming involved with Scouting for Food.

"We have always supported the Scouts over the years," Jaindl said. "My dad was a Boy Scout and we think it is the greatest institution.

"We work with them very closely in the community and when you [Craine] asked about getting involved with Scouting for Food, it was a natural."

Committee Chairman Elwood "Sonny" Laudenslager, Den Chief Nicholas Wertman and Webelos James Beer, all from Cub Pack 60, also spoke at the kick off.

"What is so important about this is these kids collect the food and the food goes directly to food pantries and soup kitchens," Laudenslager said.

"It is very important to feed the families who do not get food or who do not have a job, just to keep them surviving and to keep them fed," Wertman said. "When you think about the whole Scouting for Food, it is kids feeding kids, which is the good part about it. No money is involved.

"Everything the Scouts collect goes right to people who come to the food pantry.

Beer said this was his first time participating in the food drive.

According to Lori Wehr, marketing manager for the Boy Scouts of America Minsi Trails Council, Scouting for Food is the largest of many service projects the Boy Scouts conduct each year.

Nearly, 4,000 local Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and volunteers typically participate in the food drive along with many businesses, Wehr stated.

Donations may be dropped off until Nov. 15 at Wegmans food stores, Lafayette Ambassador and Team Capital bank branches, Minsi Trails Council, WFMZ and Jaindl Farms.

For more information or drop off locations, go to scouting4food.com.