Herndon — Roberta Gosling, co-founder of the South Lakes High School Food Pantry said, “Since COVID -19, the SLHS PTSA Food pantry has pivoted to a contact-free distribution system. We pack 20-25 pound bags of food and distribute that along with many other items to approximately 140 families each week at South Lakes High School. This number continues to grow every week. Many have told us that these groceries and other products have been a life-saver for them.”

Although the local BSA Scouts have also moved most of their regular meetings to virtual formats, they have not stopped answering the needs of their communities.

Many families have lost their jobs in the pandemic and food is an increasing need. Scouts of the Powhatan District’s Venture Crew 673 have answered the call and have held monthly food drives since May. In total, they collected and donated 2125 lbs of food to SHARE in McLean. Also, Ethan from the district’s Troop 158 in Herndon held a Food Drive for his Eagle Scout service project.

As usual, the BSA and its National Capital Area Council, will have their annual food drive in November. Last year, more than 800 Scouts and 600 adult leaders collected 34,700 pounds of food in the Powhatan District covering Great Falls, Herndon, Reston, Oakton, and Chantilly. However, there is something unusual this year. In past years, Scouts have handed out bags and information to doors and coming back to collect the foods on specific days. This year, every BSA unit must submit a plan for their Scouting for Food events to keep Scouts safe when they reach out to help others. Operating the food drive safely during the pandemic is a primary concern for Scout Leaders. Some Scouts have contactless food collection points at their homes. Others will arrange contactless outdoor food gathering from neighbors while observing safety protocols and wearing gloves and masks.

On Saturday, Nov. 14, Scouts and their adult leaders from Troops and Packs all over Northern Virginia will be gathering food from their neighbors and bringing it to local charities in the annual Scouting for Food collection. The collected food will be sent to LINK, Community of Faith UMC Food Pantry, Cornerstones and South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry. Those who may be missed by the Scouts are welcome to drop off food at one of the collection sites on Nov. 14.

Where and When

Trinity Presbyterian Church (LINK)

651 Dranesville Road, Herndon

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Community of Faith UMC Food Pantry

13224 Franklin Farm Road, Herndon

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Cornerstones

11484 Washington Plaza West, Reston.

10 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

Good Shepherd Lutheran Church (South Lakes High School PTSA Food Pantry)

1133 Reston Ave, Herndon

11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m.