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Scouting for Food 2026: What You Need to Know
If you had the opportunity to support a community effort that helps feed more than 1,000 people each month—would you take it?
That’s exactly what makes the annual Scouting for Food Town-Wide Food Drive so meaningful. Nutley Family Service Bureau (NFSB), in partnership with the local Scouts, is proud to host this impactful event on Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 AM to 3:30 PM at 169 Chestnut Street.Each year, tens of thousands of donated food items are collected and distributed to neighbors in need throughout our community.
How It Works
In the two weeks leading up to collection day, Scouts of all ages will place donation bags on nearly every doorstep in Nutley. Residents are encouraged to fill these bags with shelf-stable, unexpired food items or grocery store gift cards, then place them outside for pickup on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
Scouts will collect the donations and deliver them directly to NFSB, where they will be sorted and prepared for distribution.
In addition, donations can be made in person at ShopRite of Nutley, a longtime community partner, on Sunday, April 26th where the Scouts will be collecting outside the store doors. The LoCurcio family has supported NFSB for decades, and this year, ShopRite has generously donated 9,000 reusable bags to help make the drive possible.
“ShopRite is always incredibly supportive of this event,” said Joan Roake. “They donate bags and advertising, lend us shopping carts and boxes, and allow Scouts to collect food outside their store all weekend. Each year, the Scouts bring back multiple carloads of donations from ShopRite alone.”
Scouting for Food by the Numbers
The first Scouting for Food drive in Nutley took place in 2006, with recordkeeping beginning in 2007. That year, 3,405 food items were collected. By 2013, donations had grown to 10,653 items, and by 2019, that number soared to 34,065 items.
Over the past two years, the drive has brought in more than 80,000 food items, a testament to the generosity and spirit of the Nutley community. With your help, we hope to continue that momentum in 2026.
“The Scouts put so much heart into this effort,” Joan shared. “They visit nearly every home in Nutley—delivering bags, collecting donations, and helping stock our pantry shelves for months to come.”
Why It Matters
While Scouting for Food is a spirited and inspiring community tradition, it also plays a critical role in supporting local families.
In the first quarter of 2026 alone, the NFSB Food Pantry served 399 households, representing more than 880 individuals, from young children to seniors. During that time, over 6,100 bags of food were distributed to our neighbors in need.Gift cards donated during the drive allow NFSB to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, meats, eggs, and other essentials, ensuring clients have access to nutritious options that meet their dietary needs.
A Call for Volunteers
Volunteers are essential to the success of Scouting for Food—and we need your help!
We are currently seeking volunteers to assist with sorting, dating, and organizing donations. Multiple shifts are available, and snacks will be provided.We welcome:
- Businesses and community organizations
- Student clubs and youth groups
- Faith-based groups
- Families and individuals
Students should note that volunteer hours may be considered for NFSB scholarship opportunities awarded to Nutley High School seniors.
“We don’t have as many volunteers signed up as we typically do at this point,” Joan said. “We’re confident the community will come through, but we’d love to hear from more people soon!”
Sign up today to volunteer for the Scouting for Food Town-Wide Food Drive.Join Us for an Annual Nutley Tradition
“The Scouting for Food Drive has become a ritual, a rite of spring,” Joan said. “It’s awe-inspiring to see the generosity of our community. Scouts run all over town to collect donated food, cars and trucks form long lines to drop off food, and dozens of volunteers give their time and energy to help us organize the donations. It’s something you have to see in person to truly understand the level of participation.”
Please consider donating or volunteering for the annual Scouting for Food Town Wide Food Drive on Saturday, April 25, from 9:30 to 3:30 at 169 Chestnut Street. If you’re unable to commit in advance, you’re still welcome to stop by April 25th , complete a volunteer form, and lend a hand. Additional volunteer opportunities will also be available in the days and weeks following the drive.
Visit the Scouting for Food page for more details!
Every donation. Every hour. Every helping hand makes a difference.
If you or someone you know would benefit from our Food Pantry services, participation is confidential and qualification is on a case-by-case basis. Please call 973-667-1884 or visit the Food Pantry page of the NFSB website for more information
