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LAPLACE — One in six families struggle with food insecurity, and Girl Scouts Troop 20319 set a goal to keep local families from going hungry with a “Pantry Pals” project.

The girls planned, researched, budgeted, sold doughnuts and took a trip to Sam’s to buy canned goods, crackers and other nonperishable foods. They learned that they can make a difference in their community by showing pride, helping others and using teamwork to accomplish great things.

Food donations were sorted into plastic bins and delivered to various locations within the River Parishes. The Pantry Pals project also involved volunteering at the Greater Baton Rouge Food Bank.

Aubrey Burl was one of the Girl Scouts Troop 20319 members who participated in the project.

“It was a sloppy day outside, yet we still traveled to the pantry because the weather was not worse than the families living daily in hunger,” Aubrey said. “We did this so we can help homeless families, or those who are experiencing hard times, survive. We organized items by working as a team, resulting in a life lesson.”

At the food pantry, the girls sorted foods into different sections, checking the expiration dates and the condition of the packages and cans. Aubrey said the group worked as a team to carry the food and motivated one another with cheers.

“Even though it was a lot of work, it made me smile,” Aubrey said. “I felt happy knowing that I helped a family receive food that they needed to survive. This project taught me the importance of helping others in need and showed how I can get my community involved in helping others in need.”

Girl Scouts 20319 bronze award team members include Halle Copponex, Harper Copponex, Elyse Poche, Emma Poche, Terra’Leesa Porter, Abigail Brown, Taylor Babin, Ramsey Palermo, Alayna LaCombe, Karleigh Dicharry, Riley Brumfield, Amirah Wheeler and Aubrey Burl.