For over two decades, the San Joaquin Regional Transit District (RTD) has been actively involved in a noble cause during the holidays. They collect frozen turkeys and non-perishable food for the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin. This year, the 26th annual Stuff the Bus food drive is set to take place from Friday, Nov. 22 through Sunday, Nov. 24 at the Food 4 Less on 789 W. Hammer Ln. in Stockton.

Main Purpose and Community Unity

The main objective of RTD's annual Stuff the Bus food drive is to address food insecurity. By collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations, they support the Stockton Emergency Food Bank. This event serves as a unifying force within the community, coming together to assist families and individuals in need, especially during the holiday season when the demand for food assistance peaks. Maximilian Cao, RTD supervisor of marketing and customer engagement, emphasizes the significance of this drive.During the event at Food 4 Less on Hammer Lane, along with other Stockton Food 4 Less locations and Rancho San Miguel, donation programs are in place. Leonard Hansen, CEO of the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin, expresses gratitude for the daily donations of canned goods, stuffing, and even turkeys. He highlights that economic hardships have led to a decrease in donations while the need continues to grow.In 2023, the Emergency Food Bank served 312,599 families, surpassing the pre-pandemic figure of 188,000. Hansen further emphasizes the importance of their partnership with RTD and Food4Less in assembling full holiday meals for those in need.

Donation Options

Donating during the RTD 26th annual Stuff the Bus event is straightforward. There are three contactless donation options available - a drop-off table station, a drop-off cart station, or a drive-up station. The event hours are as follows:9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 229 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 2310 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Nov. 24.Those who donate at Food 4 Less on Hammer Lane will have the chance to enter a raffle and win a $50 Food 4 Less gift card. Chris Podesto, VP and General Manager of PAQ, Inc., as a 100% employee-owned business, recognizes the importance of assisting the communities they serve during challenging times. All donations go directly to the Stockton Emergency Food Bank, ensuring local families receive the help they need this holiday season.Even after Sunday, anyone can still make monetary donations to the food bank. Volunteer and product donations are always welcome as well.

Staples for the Food Bank

Alesha Pichler, community relations manager for the Emergency Food Bank Stockton/San Joaquin, highlights the need for staples such as turkeys, stuffing, boxed mashed potatoes, and canned vegetables. The Stuff the Bus event is crucial as the food collected during the three days at Food 4 Less on Hammer Lane is directly distributed to the turkey distribution giveaway two days later on Tuesday. Any and all foods collected, including turkeys, canned goods, and box stuffing, are immediately returned to the community in need.The Emergency Food Bank Drive-Thru Turkey Giveaway starts at 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 26 at the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds at 1658 S. Airport Way in Stockton. Pichler emphasizes that the community believes in their mission to help families in Stockton and San Joaquin County during urgent situations. The food bank was established by Stocktonians to assist their fellow residents, and this remains true even after 55 years.Since its inception, RTD has collected over 435,000 pounds of food. This year, event organizers aim to collect 20,000 pounds of donations. Cao states that this is more than just a food drive; it is a celebration of community spirit and an opportunity to bring joy to families in need during the holidays.For more information on RTD, follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/sanjoaquinrtd. Record reporter Angelaydet Rocha covers business and community news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at arocha@recordnet.com or on Twitter @AngelaydetRocha. To support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.