Donations to the area’s 2023 Scouting for Food drive fell short of last year’s total, but with demand for their services increasing, food pantries said they appreciate the time, money and cans donated last weekend.

The Osage District of the Greater St. Louis Area Council of Scouts BSA had recorded 54,182 food item donations from its Scouting for Food drive at the close of the weekend. Senior District Executive Ken Etter said that number will continue to grow through the end of the month as partner organizations, including local churches, take up collections to add to the drive.