Scouts from the Albert Lea area collected more than 2,800 pounds of nonperishable food last weekend in the annual Scouting for Food drive.

Scouts traveled door to door to collect the food from the doorsteps of area homes, and all food donated was given to the Ecumenical Food Pantry at the First Presbyterian Church.

Don Vanderploeg, adventuring crew adviser for a local Scout troop, said he appreciated the people who donated and was pleased with the efforts of the Scouts who participated. There were Cub Scouts, Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts from local troops.

Food was collected in Albert Lea, Hayward, Glenville, Twin Lakes and Emmons.

“I think what it teaches the most is how much the community cares and provides for their own,” Vanderploeg said. “It teaches them a sense of responsibility to take care of someone less fortunate than themselves.”

The Scouting for Food program began in 1988 when Scouts collected an estimated 65 million cans of nonperishable food across the nation. Since then, it has grown into an annual event.

A drive was also held on the same weekend for Pack 11 Cub Scouts and Troop 11 Boy Scouts in Alden, who collect food in Alden, Conger and Mansfield.

Food donated there was given to the Alden area food shelf at Redeemer Lutheran Church.