Albert Lea area Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts will participate in the nationwide Scouting for Food event from 9 a.m. to noon March 19.

Scouting for Food bags will be delivered in March 15’s Freeborn County Shopper. Scouts will then collect the bags and deliver to area food shelves. Donations can also be dropped off at the food shelf or food pantry from 9 a.m. to noon.

According to a press release, scouts collected 4,286 pounds of food and $450 in cash. The scouts goal for 2016 is to surpass those numbers.

Items needed for food shelves include paper goods such as toilet paper, paper towels and paper plates and cups; toiletry items such as bar soap, shampoo, diapers, toothpaste and toothbrushes, combs, brushes, deodorant, shaving supplies, lotion and feminine hygiene products; all varieties of pasta; cooking oil; crackers; cake mixes and cookies; boxed meals such as macaroni and cheese and hamburger helper; canned goods including tuna, soups, stews, fruits and vegetables; jello and pudding mixes; and juice, drink mixes and coffee. All containers should be unopened. Food should also not be outdated or come in damaged packaging.

Cash will also be accepted. Cash donations will be used to purchase fresh meat, produce, eggs bread and milk.