Today, two city buses made their way across Summit County with unexpected stops along the route. Instead of carrying passengers, the buses visited local businesses and organizations that collected food donations for the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank’s Harvest for Hunger Campaign.
The METRO RTA Stuff the Bus event is a new partnership between the Foodbank and bus system.
“At METRO, we believe that public transportation is about more than getting people from place to place; it’s about connecting our community to the resources, services and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Tatia Harris, chief culture officer of METRO. “In many ways, the Foodbank’s mission is truly no different. Whether we are helping remove barriers to transportation or barriers to food access, our shared commitment to serving our neighbors and strengthening our community is what brings us together in partnership and purpose.”
The new event saw participation across the county. Food and financial contributions collected will help provide enough food for more than 16,000 meals for the region. METRO saves both the Foodbank and the participating businesses time, energy and fuel costs by delivering the donations directly to the Foodbank.
“We’re grateful to METRO RTA for helping bring this new Stuff the Bus event to life in Summit County,” said Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the Foodbank. “What stands out most is the way this collaboration brings together local organizations, businesses and public service partners around a shared goal of helping our neighbors experiencing hunger. We truly appreciate the support, coordination and generosity that made this effort possible, and the commitment to strengthening our community through the Harvest for Hunger Campaign.”
Donations were collected from the Akron RubberDucks where Homer the mascot collected donations from entering fans of today’s game. Foodbank staff also visited Bridgestone Americas, the Summit County Sheriff’s Office, Akron Energy Systems, Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and more.
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. To learn more, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org.
To support Stuff the Bus, please consider making a donation at akroncantonfoodbank.org/metro.