Girl Scouts Collect for Food Pantry

Last year at this time, Girl Scout Ambassador Troop 61010 [10 girls] collected 100 meals for the Somerset County Food Pantry.  

The troop repeated this drive this spring, and the girls decided to try and double their efforts and collect 200 meals. They are at more than 150 now, and are on the way to the goal.

In 2011, Girl Scout Ambassador Troop 61010 was in need of a "Take Action" project. They were completing their "Sow What" Journey, which is part of the new Girl Scout USA programming that was recently rolled out.  The new programs contain a strong leadership model for
girls and young women.

As part of this program, Troop 61010 collected 100
meals for the Somerset County Food Bank in 2011. Troop member Gennie Puglisi, came up with the idea after reading the book, "A Man, A Can and a Plan" which has recipes requiring 5 food items or less. She obtained donated grocery bags and included a recipe in each.  

All troop members pitched in and collected from friends, neighbors and family.  Those who participated took a bag, purchased all the items for the enclosed recipe and then returned the bag and recipe to the Girl Scout troop. All the bags containing the meal ingredients were then taken to the food bank. Instead of distributing single items, the food bank is able to provide whole meals thanks to the girls'
unique food drive.

This year, the girls decided to try and double their 2011
collection. Their goal is 200 meals for the Pantry by the end of April.

The girls all live in Bridgewater, and are juniors and seniors at Bridgewater-Raritan Regional High School.

The troop members are Avantika Butani, Grace Dimock, Hayley Katz, Morgan Lalevee, Rachel Lisk, Hannah Luftman, Jesse Knolmajer, Gennie Puglisi, Michelle Sachs and Katie Wahl. Troop leaders are Cindy Lisk and Karen Katz.