Boy Scout donates 1,400 pounds of food

More than 1,400 pounds of food were donated as part of an Eagle Scout project to help residents in Green River.

Thursday afternoon, Green River High School senior Dallin Hoyt brought a truckload of food to the Green River Food Pantry, the result of a drive he initiated Aug. 30. Hoyt said he started asking people about what would best help the community while considering his Eagle Scout project.

"(The food drive) stuck out as something that would help the community the most," Hoyt said.

Hoyt attached fliers on doors throughout the city, asking people to set their donations on their doorsteps. When collection day came, Hoyt utilized friends from the high school as well as volunteers from his church to collect food, grouping 35 people into six teams. Hoyt estimates the group spent about four hours each helping him with his project.

The member of Crew 0800 said he enjoyed the experience.

"I'm just happy to help," he said.

Kathy Siler, executive director of Food Bank of Sweetwater County, said Hoyt's food drive will help provide some variety to the food they offer. She said they do receive large pallets of food, but the food on those palettes is the same food.

"(The pallets are) great," Siler said. "It helps us meet a need but, (Hoyt's food drive) gives us variety."

She also said Hoyt's project helps the pantry get through to the next food drive in November. Siler said the pantry has more clients utilize its services during the winter months, creating a higher need for donations leading into the season.