Every year, thousands of families in Las Vegas face food insecurity, and it’s often the little things—like a tin of soup or a bag of rice—that can help them get through tough times. Thankfully, local heroes like the Las Vegas Area Council of the Boy Scouts of America and The Salvation Army are stepping up once again with their annual Scouting for Food Drive, now in its 37th year.
Here’s what makes this effort so special and how you can be part of it.
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What’s Scouting for Food All About?
If you’ve ever wondered how you can make a big impact in just one day, the Scouting for Food Drive is a prime example. It’s the largest single-day food drive in Nevada, and it’s happening on Saturday, February 1, at Smith’s Food and Drug Stores across the region.
The idea is simple: collect as much nonperishable food as possible to refill empty shelves at local food pantries. It’s more than just cans of food—this drive provides real relief for families at risk of homelessness or struggling to make ends meet.
Why This Food Drive Matters
Food insecurity is no small issue. Every month, over 2,000 individuals and families in Las Vegas rely on The Salvation Army’s main pantry just to get by. The donations collected during the Scouting for Food Drive don’t just last for a week or two—they actually help stock the pantry for six to seven months. That’s thousands of meals for people who really need them.
Larry Okin, chairman of the event, summed it up perfectly: “Scouting’s partnership with Smith’s and The Salvation Army to help feed the hungry is one of the ways the strong spirit of Southern Nevada shines through to make this a great community in which to live.”
And it’s not just Las Vegas. Even smaller communities like Pahrump get in on the action. Food collected there is sent to nearby food banks, ensuring that no one is left out.
New for 2025: Recycling Batteries to Save the Planet
This year, there’s a little twist. The Las Vegas Rotary Club is teaming up with the Scouts to tackle another problem—old batteries. If you’ve got rechargeable batteries lying around from tools, phones, or even Bluetooth speakers, now’s your chance to get rid of them in an eco-friendly way.
Here’s what you can bring:
- Rechargeable tools
- Loose Li-Ion or nickel-metal hydride batteries
- Electric toothbrushes
- Wireless headphones
- Bluetooth speakers
- Smartwatches, tablets, and cell phones
You can drop these off with Scout units or during the final round of food pickups on February 1. It’s a win-win: helping people and protecting the planet.
How You Can Get Involved
Getting involved is easy. Whether you’re someone who loves to give back or just have a few extra cans in your pantry, here’s how you can help:
- Donate food: Drop off nonperishable items like canned goods, pasta, and rice at participating Smith’s Food and Drug Stores on February 1.
- Volunteer: Many hands make light work! Local Scouts and volunteers will be collecting and sorting food all day.
- Recycle batteries: Bring your old rechargeable batteries and gadgets to participating locations.
- Spread the word: Share the event details with friends, family, and neighbours—every little bit counts.
The Bigger Picture
For Major Maggie and Harold Laubach, Clark County Coordinators for The Salvation Army, the event is about more than just food. “We are grateful for the amount of food and support the Boy Scouts of America is able to provide year after year,” they said. “It really is a wonderful sight to see these young people work so hard to help our community in need.”
And they’re right—seeing kids, teens, and families come together to tackle food insecurity is a powerful reminder of the good in the world. It’s not just about stocking shelves; it’s about building a stronger, more compassionate community.
Why It’s Time to Pitch In
Think about it: one Saturday, one donation, one small effort from each of us. That’s all it takes to make a real difference for thousands of people in Southern Nevada. So whether you’re a Scout, a parent, or just someone looking for a way to give back, now’s the time to step up.
Mark your calendar for Saturday, February 1, grab a few extra cans from your kitchen, and join the Boy Scouts, The Salvation Army, and the Rotary Club in making this year’s Scouting for Food Drive the best one yet. Together, we can turn those empty pantry shelves into a lifeline for families who need it most.
