“Beans for Beanz” Will Feed Hungry Citizens

When McKinney High School junior Spencer Terry was trying to decide on his Eagle Scout project, several ideas came to mind. The member of McKinney Troop 531 wasn’t sure how he was going to choose the ultimate project in his Scouting career, but when he called one local charitable organization, the words he heard on the other end of the phone convinced him he had found ‘his’ project.

Terry, known among his McKinney High School Marching Band mates as Beanz, decided one of the groups he would call to offer his help was the Community Food Pantry of McKinney. He was familiar with the organization, having collected food for the Pantry several times during his years in Scouting.

“When I asked if there was a special project I could do for the pantry, or if there was a certain food they were in need of, they said they were always low on beans,” laughed Terry. “I couldn’t believe it! I knew right then I had found my project.”

Terry learned that in one week alone, the Community Food Pantry of McKinney distributed 600 pounds of dried beans, leading to a severe and ongoing shortage. Formed 31 years ago as an all-volunteer organization, it provides groceries and referrals to families and individuals in need. In 2007, groceries were provided to prepare over 108,960 meals. Those meals fed over 3,298 families that included 5,795 children and 5,101 adults. The organization remains all-volunteer.

Terry has set up a collection box in the McKinney High School Band Hall and is asking for the community’s help in his Eagle Scout quest. During the month of August, all cash donations - or bags of beans - will be given to the Food Pantry in hopes of filling its shelves. He’s even designed a T-shirt for his family to wear to ‘market’ his project.

Contact Spencer Terry at BeansForBeanz@texasterrys.com to learn how to help. For more information on the McKinney Community Food Pantry, visit www.volunteersolutions.org/vmc/org/224361 .