MILFORD – The need for non-perishable food items and toiletries are more important than ever, according to the Scouting For Food website. In response, the town’s Cub Scouts, Girl Scouts, and Scout BSA units are collaborating to stock up the Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry shelves, and are asking local residents for donations by this Saturday between 9 AM to 2 PM.
Scouting for Food is a Nationwide program that has been serving communities for 30 years, and the Town of Milford Scout Troops has been participating for over 20 years. While every year has been important, the need is a bit greater due to the freeze on SNAP last Saturday, according to food drive organizer Jennifer Shady. Shady mentions that there are “well over” one million Massachusetts residents that rely on these benefits for grocery needs, including children, elderly or disabled folk, and veterans.
“We always have donations throughout the year that go to the [Milford Daily Bread] food pantry, but this year, especially right now, is important” says Shady. If you have a little extra [food] that you can give to a neighbor, definitely donate it”.
Dale Winkler, the driving force behind the drive, recommends the following non-perishable donations: Canned Goods, Peanut Butter, Cereal, Pancake or Muffin Mix, Crackers or Cookies, Instant Soup, Rice or Beans, Pasta, Powdered Juice or Milk, Dried Fruits, Snack Bars, Adult or Infant Diapers, Single-Serve Non-Frozen Dinners, and other non-perishable items. All donations that include frozen foods, glass jars, open containers, or expired items will not be considered.
Contactless curbside pickup is available for single-family residences, where people can leave their donations in a box or grocery bag by 9 AM on Saturday. Scouts will then pick up your donation without issue. In the case where your donation is not picked up by 2 PM, contact [email protected].
A drop-off location is also made available for Apartment Complex Residents and anyone who prefers. This contactless area is open at the Brookside Elementary Parking Lot between 11 AM to 2 PM this Saturday, located at 110 Congress Street in Milford. Placing your bagged donation inside the trunk of your car is preferable, as Scouts can quickly collect them through drive by.
Cash donations can also be done through the Milford Daily Bread Food Pantry website.
