NEW ULM — New Ulm area Scouting for Food efforts topped the Twin Valley Council area last weekend with 16,561 pounds of food collected.

“This is the highest amount amount of food collected in New Ulm and surrounding communities since 2020,” said Scouting America Twin Valley Council Field Director Erik Karre.

He said Brown County project efforts included $1,195 in cash donations.

The New Ulm area Scouting for Food effort included 52 volunteers who worked 94 hours. The value of their hours worked was $3,305.05.

South Central Minnesota scouts collected 50,465 pounds of food for 19 local food pantries. About 590 Scouts, siblings, leaders, and parents put in more than 1,700 service hours in the annual service project that is equal to $60,000 of economic benefit to local communities.

Since the early 1980s, Scouts have conducted the project not only to help those in need but also teach Scouts about service to others.

“Do a good turn daily,” is the Scout slogan. “Help other people at all times,” is part of the Scout Oath. “A Scout is helpful” is one of the 12 points of Scout Law.

Total pounds of food collected included 11,634 in Mankato, 2,598 in St. Peter, 1,613 in Madelia, 1,260 in Lake Crystal, 1,135 in Redwood Falls and 670 in Gaylord. Waseca collection data was not yet available. Last year, 5,233 pounds of food were collected there.