‘Stuff the Bus’ returns Oct. 5 to feed Manatee County families

BRADENTON, Fla. (WWSB) — A major push to fight hunger in Manatee County is happening this weekend—and organizers say they can’t do it without your help.

The Food Bank of Manatee is hosting its annual Stuff the Bus food drive on Sunday, Oct. 5, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The event spans 19 Publix supermarket locations across the county.

It’s a simple ask with a big impact: donate nonperishable food or give a little cash to help stock the shelves for families in need.

Volunteers and community partners will be on-site, collecting donations and loading school buses with food. Once full, those buses will head straight to The Food Bank of Manatee for distribution.

September is Hunger Action Month

“All donations stay right here in our local community,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. “Every can, box, and bag of food donated makes a real difference for our neighbors facing hunger.”

The need is growing, and organizers said events like this one help meet it.

You can donate canned meats, vegetables, fruits, pasta, rice, peanut butter, cereal, or any nonperishable item that could help a struggling family get through the week.

The event still needs volunteers to help collect and sort donations. You can sign up here: https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus.

Can’t attend in person? You can still support the cause by making a secure online donation: https://securepayment.link/mealsonwheelsplus.

“Together, we can feed Manatee and bring hope to thousands of children, families, and seniors,” Phillips said.