Food Drive: 'Stuff the Bus' to Stop Hunger Dec. 1 at Albertsons

It's time to “Stuff the Bus” and give to those who need a little help putting food on the table—not only at the holidays, but every day.

As long-term unemployment continues to wear away at a family's ability to afford food, the number of San Diegans in need has continued to grow, says the San Diego Food Bank. Last year, the organization distributed 20.4 million pounds of food to San Diegans struggling to make ends meet. That's about 16 million meals.

The fifth annual “Stuff the Bus” food drive aims to stop hunger throughout the county with donations of nonperishable canned and boxed foods. The Metropolitan Transit System and North County Transit District team with Albertsons to challenge communities to fill 15 buses and provide San Diego Food Bank with 10,000 pounds of nonperishable food for local families in need.

The items most needed include:

• Canned meat and tuna
• Canned soups
• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Peanut butter
• Canned beans
• Pasta
• Dry cereal
• Rice
• Macaroni and cheese

Fresh foods (perishables) and foods in glass jars can not be accepted due to food safety regulations.

Buses will be located at 15 Albertsons stores in the county, including Santee. Volunteers from the Armed Services YMCA and the community will be on hand to accept your donations and “Stuff the Bus.”

“Stuff the Bus” takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 1.

Click here to see all the sites where the food drive will be going on.