Food drive to collect 20,000 food items surpasses 93,000
IRVING, TX (August 12, 2026) – Scouting America has mobilized thousands of Scouts, volunteers, and visitors participating in the 2026 National Jamboree to help address food insecurity through Elevate Hunger Relief, a large-scale service initiative designed to benefit families and communities across West Virginia.
The Elevate Hunger Relief program emerged as one of the most impactful service initiatives of the 2026 National Jamboree, demonstrating the power of Scouts to make a meaningful difference in the fight against food insecurity. Throughout the event, Scouts, volunteers, staff, and community partners collected more than 93,000 food items and raised nearly $270,000 to support hunger-relief efforts in local communities and across the country. The program provided participants with a hands-on opportunity to live out the values of the Scout Oath and Scout Law while addressing a critical need facing thousands of families.
In partnership with AmeriCorps, Elevate Hunger Relief reflects Scouting America’s commitment to service and civic engagement while creating a meaningful impact in the communities surrounding the Summit Bechtel Reserve by honoring our motto of “Doing a Good Turn Daily”.
“AmeriCorps and Scouting America share common values and a deep patriotic spirit, explained Mark Lloyd, chief of staff at AmeriCorps. “Both organizations are about strengthening the next generation of leaders and serving our fellow Americans. That’s critical work and as we celebrate America 250, I am very pleased AmeriCorps is able to support the 2026 National Jamboree as a proud partner. I look forward to deepening our collaboration.”
More than a traditional food drive, Elevate Hunger Relief showcased Scouting America’s commitment to service, citizenship, and community impact, empowering young people to take action and help ensure that more families have access to the food and resources they need.
“Service has always been at the heart of Scouting,” said Glenn Ault, chairman of the 2026 National Scout Jamboree. “Elevate Hunger Relief provides Scouts with an opportunity to turn that commitment into action by helping families in need while demonstrating the values of kindness, citizenship, and community leadership.”
Direct Impact Across West Virginia
Food donations were collected at National Jamboree food distribution sites and loaded into shipping containers for delivery to local food banks serving communities throughout the region. Financial contributions will be distributed following the Jamboree to nonprofit organizations addressing food insecurity through the purchase of fresh produce and other necessities.
Inspiring Continued Service
Beyond its immediate impact, Elevate Hunger Relief is designed to encourage Scouts to return home and become more active in supporting local hunger-relief efforts, including Scouting America’s longstanding Scouting for Food program.
Each year, Scouts across the country participate in Scouting for Food, one of the nation’s largest youth-led food drives, collecting and distributing millions of pounds of food for local food banks and pantries. The next annual campaign, beginning on November 14, will provide Scouts with another opportunity to continue the momentum generated at the National Jamboree by addressing food insecurity in their own communities. “A Scout’s daily good turn can have an extraordinary impact,” explained Ault. “Whether it’s donating two cans of food or contributing to a local food bank, every act of service matters.”
The 2026 National Jamboree brought together thousands of Scouts from across the nation to experience adventure, leadership development, and personal growth. Through Elevate Hunger Relief, participants also demonstrated another foundational element of Scouting: Service to Others.
About Scouting America
Scouting America provides the nation’s foremost youth program of character development and values-based leadership training, which helps young people be “Prepared. For Life.®” Scouting America welcomes all of America’s youth into its programs. Our goal is to give them fantastic experiences in the outdoors, and elsewhere, where they can grow with us in a safe environment. More than 130 million Americans have been through our programs since our founding, and nearly 1 million youth are served by 477,000 dedicated adult volunteers in local councils throughout the country. To learn more about Scouting America’s mission, or to sign your child up for Scouting, visit www.BeAScout.org.