Today, two city buses could be found traversing Massillon, Hartville, Louisville and all throughout Stark County making unusual stops. Rather than picking up residents, the buses were visiting businesses and organizations that collected food for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank.
The partnership between the Foodbank and the Stark Area Regional Transit Authority (SARTA), known as Stuff the Bus, is a unique way in which SARTA supports the Foodbank’s Harvest for Hunger Campaign. Stuff the Bus has taken place for more than 20 years, helping to provide enough food for thousands of meals for the local community.
This year, two SARTA buses made more than 15 stops to local businesses and organizations to pick up donations. Food and financial contributions collected will help provide enough food for more than 21,000 meals for the region. SARTA saves both the Foodbank and the participating businesses time, energy and fuel costs by delivering the donations directly to the Foodbank.
“SARTA has been a steadfast partner over the years, finding a unique way to support the Foodbank and our community members experiencing hunger,” said Dan Flowers, Foodbank president and CEO. “We’re grateful for their commitment to local hunger relief and for their continued partnership.”
Visits were made to past participants including Fresh Mark, Lake Center Christian School, Gervasi Vineyard, Raisin Rack Natural Food Market, Stark Regional Community Corrections Center and Aultman Pain Management.
“Giving back is an important part of who we are as a company,” said Alicia Pucky, vice president, chief people and corporate responsibility officer at Fresh Mark. “As a manufacturer of food products, we believe it is our responsibility to ensure no one goes hungry in our local community. We take great pride in our partnership with the Foodbank, and the work the team does in serving those around us.”
New pickups this year included Employers Health, Hilscher-Clarke Electric Company, AWP Safety, CSL Plasma and more.
“It's important to share in your communities needs and be there to give people a hand up,” said Jennie Marcum, center manager at CSL Plasma in Canton. “Acknowledging that hunger is a real issue within our community is the first step to solving the problem.”
The Harvest for Hunger Campaign is the Foodbank’s largest fundraising campaign and helps support food distribution all year long. The community’s support directly correlates to the organization’s ability to serve neighbors experiencing hunger. While funding at both the federal and state levels risks being cut, the Foodbank looks to the community for support. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org.