Community Rallies to "Stuff the Bus," Collecting Over 100,000 Pounds of Food for Families in Need

Once again, the Manatee County community stepped up in a big way to support families in need during this year’s "Stuff the Bus" event. The annual drive, organized in partnership with Publix, the Manatee County School District’s transportation department, students, and a host of dedicated volunteers, resulted in a remarkable collection of 101,183 pounds of food and nearly $11,700 in cash donations.

These generous contributions will go directly to The Food Bank of Manatee, a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, providing essential support to local families facing food insecurity. As the need for assistance continues to grow, the outpouring of donations will help ensure that families in the community have access to nutritious meals during challenging times.

The event’s success highlights the power of community collaboration. With the help of volunteers, school district staff, and local businesses like Publix, "Stuff the Bus" has become a powerful symbol of what can be achieved when a community comes together to support those in need.

Thanks to the efforts of everyone involved, this year’s donations will make a lasting impact on many families, reaffirming that Manatee County is a community that cares.