There is no dollar-for-dollar or pound-for-pound match as part of the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign. Let’s just dispel that myth right away.

Even so, when you give food to the Boy Scouts in Freeborn, Mower and Faribault counties as part of the Scouting for Food drive, you should give generously. Why? Because the more our three counties give, the more our food pantries will get.

How is that not a match? Well, the corporations already have given to what the Minnesota FoodShare March Campaign calls an &8220;allocation fund.&8221; The more food the food drives across the state get, the greater share of the fund they are allocated. There is no matching, just rewarding. The incentive is still there.

So does the food stay local? You bet it does. The food the Scouts get will fill up local food shelves &045; such as the Salvation Army. The food shelves then distribute the food to people in need.

Place your nonperishable items in the special plastic bags that the Freeborn County Shopper came in this week. Boy Scouts are distributing the bags, too. In addition, residents can bring donations to Nelson’s Country Market in Albert Lea, Hy-Vee Grocery in Albert Lea, Alden-Conger School and the Conger Meat Market.

The big food drive happens Saturday. We hope you can participate. Canned foods work well. Here are some other suggestions: Pasta, chips, pretzels, crackers, nuts, beans, rice, macaroni and cheese, peanut butter, gelatin, dried fruit such as raisins, oatmeal, cereal, trail mix and, don’t forget, baby food.

Many people don’t think of beverages, but they are appreciated. Be sure to only give healthy drinks &045; no pop &045; that won’t perish for a long time. Ideas: bottled water, powdered milk, instant coffee in a can, canned milk, canned or bottled juices, juice boxes, sports drinks and, yes, baby formula.

Here are two more suggestions: Not everyone can eat food high in salt content. Anything with a lower salt content is a plus. Some people battle diabetes. Food low in sugar is always needed.

Most of all, give generously. Thanks ahead of time on behalf of the Freeborn County Shopper, Albert Lea Tribune, Boy Scouts, area food shelves and, most of all, hungry people.