More than 49 million adults, kids, and families in the U.S. are experiencing food insecurity (that’s 1 in 6 people), an issue that is being exacerbated by the delays, cutbacks, and updates to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits. People experiencing food insecurity may include members of our own communities, friends and family, or members of our troops, making this a sensitive and important take action issue for Girl Scouts.
That’s why Girl Scouts of Northern California is launching the Flood the Food Banks Initiative. Join us as we give your service unit and troop all the tools to replenish food pantries after a long holiday season. Together we can make a real difference.
When: The official council-wide campaign ran January-March, 2026.
The materials and values of the Flood the Foodbanks initiative are evergreen! We encourage ongoing participation even past the conclusion of this year’s program. GSNorCal will continue accepting submissions and mailing patches until they run out.
How: We will provide all the tools you need to run a food drive in your area. Review our extensive guides to find out how.
Who: Everyone and anyone! Whether you want to participate as an entire Service Unit, a troop, or as a family, every bit helps.
For more information as well as email and flyer templates, check out the Info Guide and the Mental Health Impacts of the project.
Receive Flood the Foodbanks patches! Once you have completed your drive, let us know how many pounds you collected using this link, and we’ll get your patches in the mail.
Don’t forget to send us photos of your progress here.
Supporting our Community
1 in 6 people is experiencing food insecurity in the US. Many of those are children. This number increases at the beginning of the year when food pantries are emptied over the holidays. We want your help easing the transition into 2026 by working together to collect food for those in need.
This project will be entirely run by our membership with support from council. And of course, any Girl Scout who participates will receive a patch
Help us come together to help those in our community.
More Than Food
To us, this project is more than helping to feed those around us, it is a way to combat anxiety and depression. More and more youth are feeling helpless and defeated. By showing them their actions can make a big difference, we are empowering them to continue to be a force for good in an ever-changing world.
As more young people share experiences of anxiety and depression, engaging in service and mutual aid can offer meaningful opportunities for connection and empowerment. Studies show that caring for others can support emotional wel-being, increase confidence, and nurture a sense of belonging. Helping strengthen our communities can create shared purpose and positively support mental health.
Even collecting one can of food can help change someone’s life and show your Girl Scouts that little ripples can lead to large waves.
Good Luck!
If you have any questions please reach out to info@gsnorcal.org and we’ll get back to you. Don’t forget to tag us on social @gsnorcal on Instagram and Facebook with all the photos of your hard work. Or you can send them to us directly to share on our accounts here.
Last updated on April 1, 2026