The Food Bank of Manatee and Community Partners Host Annual Stuff the Bus Event to Fight Hunger Locally
On Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., the community is invited to join The Food Bank of Manatee for its annual Stuff the Bus event, a county-wide food drive aimed at filling the shelves for local families in need.
Shoppers can donate non-perishable food items at any of the 19 participating Publix Super Market locations across Manatee County. Volunteers and community partners will be on-site to collect donations and “stuff” school buses with food that will be distributed directly through The Food Bank of Manatee.
“All donations stay right here in our local community,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO at Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee/The Food Bank of Manatee. “With the increased costs of food, housing, etc., putting pressure on families and seniors, every can, box, and bag of food donated makes a real difference for our neighbors facing hunger.”
The Food Bank of Manatee, a PLUS program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, has seen a steady increase in demand for food assistance. Events like Stuff the Bus help meet these urgent needs in the community.
How to Participate:
When: Sunday, October 5, 2025, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Where: 19 participating Publix Super Market locations in Manatee County
What to Donate: Non-perishable food items such as canned meats, vegetables, fruit, pasta, rice, peanut butter, and cereal
Volunteer: If you are interested in lending a hand during this event, please register to volunteer online at https://www.volunteersuncoast.org/stuffthebus
Community members who cannot attend the in-person event can still support the cause by making a monetary donation at https://securepayment.link/mealsonwheelsplus/
“Together, we can feed Manatee and bring hope to thousands of children, families, and seniors who rely on The Food Bank of Manatee,” added Phillips.
The 2025 Stuff the Bus supporters include: Presenting Sponsor Mosaic, with additional support from Publix, Publix Supermarket Charities, United Way Suncoast, the School District of Manatee County, Herald Tribune, and Del-Air.
Photo Opportunity: All buses will leave participating Manatee County Publix locations at approximately 3pm on Sunday, October 5th and will return to The Food Bank of Manatee located at 811 23rd Ave. East to be unloaded by community volunteers.
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About The Food Bank of Manatee
Founded in 1985, The Food Bank of Manatee is the only food bank based in Manatee County and a program of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee. The Food Bank provides nutritional assistance to children, families, and seniors through a network of nonprofit partner agencies and direct distribution programs. For more information, visit http://www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.
