The Results Are in for the Annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive

The Food Bank of Manatee reports that food collected during this year’s Stuff the Bus community-wide food drive on Sunday, October 5, 2025, resulted in approximately 70,000 pounds of donations. While thousands of pounds of nonperishable food items were donated to help feed local families in need, these donations reflect a decline from last year of approximately 40%.

“With the growing challenges facing many in our community and the continued rise in the cost of living, we suspect that those that once donated generously are now struggling themselves,” said Maribeth Phillips, President & CEO of Meals on Wheels PLUS of Manatee, who operates The Food Bank of Manatee. “At the same time, the need for food assistance remains higher than ever. We are deeply grateful to everyone who gave what they could— every single item donated makes a difference.

The Food Bank of Manatee recognizes the following Stuff the Bus sponsors and partners for their continued commitment to feeding those in need in the community: 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, as well as the volunteers who generously donated their time.

The Food Bank of Manatee continues to serve as the county’s only food bank, providing vital nutrition for children, families, and seniors through a network of food pantries and partner agencies. Community members can support local hunger relief efforts by making monetary or food donations directly to The Food Bank of Manatee.

For more information or to donate to The Food Bank of Manatee, visit http://www.MealsOnWheelsPLUS.org.