8th Annual “Stuff the Bus” Food Drive Surpasses Goal to Provide More Than 20,000 Meals

CapMetro, Food Bank & Whole Foods Market team up to help those in need.

(AUSTIN, Texas) - CapMetro, Whole Foods Market and the Central Texas Food Bank teamed up during the first weekend of December to encourage the community to “Stuff the Bus.” The goal of the event was to help area residents by collecting meals for individuals and families in need during the holidays.

This year's goal was to provide at least 20,000 nutritious meals to those facing hunger. With 2,552 pounds of food collected and $6,461.74 raised, the campaign provided 27,973 meals, surpassing the goal. The donations went to the Central Texas Food Bank, which works with more than 250 partner agencies in 21 Central Texas counties to get food to those in need.

During Stuff the Bus 2019, two CapMetro buses were parked at the Lamar and Domain Whole Foods Market locations. Buses were open for donations from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, with volunteers on hand to accept food items. Over the three days, there were 55 volunteer shifts, totaling 165 volunteer hours.  Representatives from all three organizations donated their time.

“As always, our mission at CapMetro is to serve our community. We are thankful to partner with the Central Texas Food Bank and Whole Foods Market each year during the holidays in order to put on Stuff the Bus and serve those who need our help the most,” said CapMetro President & CEO Randy Clarke.

“We're proud to have participated in an eighth year of the Stuff the Bus campaign alongside our partners CapMetro and Central Texas Food Bank. It's an honor to do our part in helping to eliminate hunger in Austin during the holiday season and beyond,” said Matthew Ray, Southwest Regional President for Whole Foods Market.

The Food Bank encouraged donations of healthy, non-perishable food items, such as canned tuna or chicken breast, canned low-sodium vegetables, canned fruit in its own juices, dry pinto beans, brown rice, 100% whole grain cereals, non-fat dry milk powder and peanut butter.

“We're thrilled that Stuff the Bus has again provided so many meals for our neighbors in need,” said Derrick Chubbs, President & CEO of the Central Texas Food Bank. “These results show what we can do as a community when we come together to fight hunger. A huge thanks to our friends at CapMetro and Whole Foods Market, as well as to everyone who donated to help Stuff the Bus!” 

# # #

MEDIA CONTACT:
Jenna Maxfield, 512-592-2171
CCR-Communications@capmetro.org