Area residents are being asked to help raise money for local food banks by donating money to the Scouting for Food campaign, now through March 31, according to a press release.

Normally, area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts representing Twin Valley Council go door to door asking for canned food donations, but this year, scouts are not able to do so because of COVID-19 concerns.

Scouting for Food is the largest single service project the Twin Valley Council conducts and greatly benefits local food shelves and those in the community most in need of food, the release stated. With the coronavirus and shortages of supplies, those in need would be even more vulnerable if the Scouting for Food program was canceled outright, according to the release.

Instead of canceling the community service project, area scouts are seeking cash donations online instead. For the online Scouting for Food Program, 100% of proceeds will go to local food banks so they can purchase supplies to help those in need.

Monetary donations are often preferred by food banks for several reasons. Cash is easy to organize, there is no overhead associated with it and food banks can often buy more food at wholesale prices with cash, the release stated.

Through the online Scouting for Food program, donors will be able to select a donation level and choose one of 33 participating food banks in Southern Minnesota to help.

To donate, go to the Twin Valley Council website at www.twinvalleybsa.org/food. Donations will be accepted online until March 31.

The Scouting for Food drive is sponsored by New Country Minnesota 93 radio, CHS, WOW!Zone and Walmart Distribution Center.

The online e-commerce solution was donated by Lime Valley Advertising. Twin Valley Council is a partner agency of the Greater Mankato Area United Way.