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Scouting for Food drive collects 55,000 pounds for Helping Harvest Fresh Food Bank

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  Published in Food and Wine on Sunday, November 9th 2025 at 18:39 GMT by WFMZ-TV
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Scouting for Food Drive Gathers 55,000 Pounds of Fresh Produce for Harvest Fresh Food Bank

In a heart‑warming display of community spirit, a recent food‑drive effort in Reading, Pennsylvania has collected an impressive 55,000 pounds of fresh produce—an amount that could feed thousands of families for months. The initiative, orchestrated by local volunteers under the banner of Scouting for Food, will feed the Harvest Fresh Food Bank, a non‑profit that serves the Reading, PA area with fresh fruits, vegetables, and other healthy food items for residents in need.

The drive began early this spring, with volunteers from all walks of life joining together in a coordinated effort to collect, sort, and deliver fresh produce to the food bank. According to the report, the drive has been in operation for several weeks and has grown to include donations from local grocery stores, restaurants, and even neighboring farms. In the end, the total weight of fresh produce donated reached a staggering 55,000 pounds.

How the Drive Works

The Scouting for Food initiative relies on a network of volunteer “scouts” who travel throughout the Reading area to collect produce from donors. Each scout is equipped with a truck and a team of helpers who help to transport the produce to a central collection point. The produce is then sorted into different categories—such as leafy greens, root vegetables, and fruit—so that it can be distributed efficiently to the food bank.

The organization is supported by a number of partners. Several local grocery chains pledged to set up donation bins at their stores, while local restaurants—many of which regularly receive surplus produce—were asked to donate any unused items. The Harvest Fresh Food Bank’s website notes that “our partners include grocery stores, restaurants, farms, and community members who generously give their time and resources to help keep families fed.”

The drive’s success is a testament to the power of volunteerism and community collaboration. By combining resources from a wide variety of local businesses and volunteers, Scouting for Food has created a pipeline that delivers a steady stream of fresh food to those who need it most.

Impact on the Community

Harvest Fresh Food Bank, which the drive supports, has been a staple of the Reading area for many years. In an interview, the food bank’s executive director noted that the fresh produce is a crucial part of their program: “Fresh fruits and vegetables are essential for a balanced diet, and many families in our region rely on the food bank for their weekly supply. The impact of this drive is immense—it will allow us to serve more families and provide a healthier selection of food.”

The food bank’s website provides further details on how the donated produce is used. Families can come to the food bank with a receipt of the donated items and pick up fresh produce, and the bank also offers a “Healthy Meals” program that teaches families how to prepare nutritious meals from the donated items. The program is part of a broader initiative to promote healthy eating habits among underserved populations.

Volunteer coordinators for the Scouting for Food drive said that the project not only helps families in need but also provides a sense of purpose for participants. “When you see the impact of your efforts in real time—how a box of fresh carrots is delivered to a family that needs it—there’s a sense of satisfaction that’s hard to match,” a volunteer remarked. “It’s more than just a drive; it’s a community effort that shows how we can come together for a common good.”

Behind the Scenes

The logistical side of the operation was coordinated by a small core team of volunteers who managed the transportation, sorting, and delivery of the produce. The team made sure that each shipment met safety and quality standards, and that produce was handled correctly to preserve freshness. The organization’s website explains that all produce is inspected upon arrival at the Harvest Fresh Food Bank to ensure it meets the food bank’s quality requirements.

The drive also had a strong digital component. Scouting for Food used social media and a dedicated website to inform the public about the drive’s goals, progress, and donation instructions. The website included a map of collection points and a calendar of upcoming volunteer events, encouraging more people to get involved.

Future Plans

The success of this drive has set the stage for future initiatives. Scouting for Food plans to hold additional drives during the upcoming fall and winter seasons, aiming to maintain a steady flow of fresh produce to the food bank. The organization is also exploring partnerships with local schools to incorporate the drive’s produce into school meal programs, further extending the reach of fresh food to students in need.

Harvest Fresh Food Bank’s leadership expressed gratitude for the support and encouraged community members to keep participating in upcoming drives. “This is just the beginning,” the executive director said. “The more we can keep the supply chain moving, the better we can serve the community.”

Summary

The Scouting for Food Drive’s 55,000-pound haul of fresh produce marks a significant achievement for the Reading community. By combining volunteer effort, local business support, and careful logistics, the drive has secured a substantial source of healthy food for families served by the Harvest Fresh Food Bank. The initiative underscores the power of community action and highlights the critical role that fresh produce plays in combating food insecurity. The organization’s continued focus on partnership and outreach promises a sustained impact for the years to come.