Sierra Mitchell, with the Afton Food Pantry, discussed the event during an October 5 appearance on the Weekday Wake-up. Youth volunteers will distribute door hangers to approximately 5,000 homes, then return from 6 to 8 p.m. on collection night to gather donated food.

“All you have to do is put that food on your doorstep,” Mitchell said. “The youth on October 13 will come around that evening and pick up those items for us.”

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The drive was established as a community replacement for the former Boy Scout food drive. This year’s campaign also includes a friendly competition among communities. Smoot, Osmond and Fairview will compete as one team against Afton, Grover and Auburn.

“Who doesn’t love healthy competition?” Mitchell said. “Afton has historically always been the top leader, but Osmond snuck in there a few times. So, we’re going to see which community can donate the most.”

The pantry welcomes all shelf-stable food donations but is especially seeking canned meats, soups, condiments, hygiene items and baking supplies. Mitchell said those specific products are among the pantry’s highest needs, while the organization currently has an ample supply of some items, including pasta and dried milk.

“We take any item through this food drive, no matter what,” she said. “We appreciate those donations.”

Residents are asked to check expiration dates before donating. The pantry cannot distribute food more than one year past its date, though items that cannot be placed on pantry shelves may still be directed to animal owners or other appropriate recipients.

The need for assistance is rising, Mitchell said. Families with children have surpassed older adults as the pantry’s largest group of clients, and the organization’s projected annual food costs could reach about $202,000—more than double the previous year’s $93,000 budget.

“Our shelves are very low,” Mitchell said. “We really hope this food drive is successful.”

Those unable to donate food can contribute money and learn more at AftonFoodPantry.com. “If you can’t donate a can,” Mitchell said, “a dollar helps, too.”