Community Spotlight: 'Stuff the Bus' Campaign Collects More than 131,000 Pounds of Food

BRADENTON – People all over Manatee County joined together this past weekend to donate more than 131,000 pounds of food to the Food Bank of Manatee during the 5th Annual "Stuff the Bus" campaign.

Manatee School District buses were parked at Publix Super Markets throughout the county on Saturday, November 23rd and Sunday, November 24th, so shoppers could donate food items to fill the buses. The donations were collected Sunday evening, then taken to be officially sorted, boxed and weighed at Tropicana, before being delivered to the Food Bank.

"The entire school district is proud to be a part of this effort that supports families in our community, especially as we head into the holiday season," said Superintendent Rick Mills. "I want to thank everyone who made this worthy endeavor possible."

In addition to the Manatee County School District, sponsors of "Stuff the Bus" included the United Way of Manatee County, Publix Super Markets, Tropicana, FM radio stations 106.5 CTQ and 92.1 The Coast, and Ring Power.