Ok, Berthoud, it’s time to check your kitchen cupboards and pantries. Berthoud scouting groups are having a food drive. Scouting for Food 2022 takes place on Saturday, April 9. The local Girl Scout troops will take the lead with assistance from both Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts.

Prior to the event, scouts will distribute flyers in town during the week. Clint Vining, Cub Master of Pack 6, said the scouts will attempt to cover the entire city. Vining estimates 25 to 30 Cub Scouts will be involved in the food drive.

For those who do not receive information during the week, here are suggested items to donate. Boxed and canned food including canned beans, fruits and vegetables, soups and tuna. Other food items requested are peanut butter, oatmeal, cereal, pasta, rice, mac and cheese and baking mixes. Personal care items can also be donated including shampoo/conditioner, tissues, toilet paper, paper towels and laundry detergent. Vining says all items collected will go to the local House of Neighborly Service food bank at Grace Place Church.

Jeannie Wilcox, who is involved with the Girls Scouts says the town will be divided into smaller areas. Groups of scouts will pick up the bags or boxes of food, take them to Grace Place and go out to another area. It is suggested that the flyer be placed on the donation so the scouts know it bag is for them.

Michelle Cooper, Girl Scout Lead in Berthoud says that about 100 parents will be involved in getting the youth around town. She added that 80 to 90 Girl Scouts will take part in the food drive.

Wilcox says that last year our goal was 9,000 pounds of food donated. In an email, Wilcox, stated, “This was a big stretch for us as we knew Covid had created more need. But we were blown away when we reached 12,800 pounds! This year we are shooting for 14,000 pounds.”

All the scout leaders asked that items to be donated be placed in a visible location in front of each house. Pickup activities will start early, so please have the boxes and bags out by 8 a.m. on Saturday, April 9.