With the Thanksgiving holiday fast approaching and demand for food assistance at record highs, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin announces the 28^th Annual Stuff the Bus food collection drive will take place on Friday, November 21, at six Metro Market store locations throughout Greater Milwaukee. This marks a significant expansion for the area’s largest multi-location holiday food drive, which took place at three locations in 2024, thus doubling the reach to help meet rising hunger needs.

Stuff the Bus will run from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at all six participating Metro Market stores. Supporters are encouraged to bring unopened, non-perishable food items from home or purchase pre-packed ‘Sack Hunger Bags’ for $5 at checkout. Those unable to attend the event can still make an impact with a monetary donation online by visiting FeedingAmericaWI.org/Bus.

Stuff the Bus Locations:

• Metro Market Shorewood – 4074 N. Oakland Avenue, Shorewood
• Metro Market Greenfield – 4279 S. 76^th Street, Greenfield
• Metro Market State Street – 6950 W. State Street, Wauwatosa
• Metro Market Brookfield – 12735 W. Capitol Drive, Brookfield
• Metro Market Pabst Farms – 1300 Pabst Farms Circle, Oconomowoc
• Metro Market Mequon – 11558 N. Port Washington Road, Mequon

The goal for this year’s event is to raise over 50,000 holiday meals through both food and monetary donations. All monetary donations help Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin procure and distribute fresh food directly to area hunger relief partners.

“As many of us prepare to gather with friends and family, let us first come together as a community to Stuff the Bus for our neighbors facing food insecurity,” said Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin Director of Marketing and Communications, Cameron Wengrzyn. “This is a staple event of the holiday giving season for Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin, and we’re deeply grateful to our partners who help make it happen and the generous donors who fill those MCTS buses with food!”

In 2025, Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin distributed over 40 million pounds of food to nearly 600 hunger relief partners and community-based programs across 35 counties. According to Feeding America’s most recent Map the Meal Gap survey, 1-in-8 people and 1-in-6 children in Eastern Wisconsin are currently facing hunger. 78% of food pantries across Wisconsin reported an increase in visitors during the month of October, with many noting higher demand for additional food resources and a surge in first-time visitors ranging from 5% to as high as 40%, depending on the area. These numbers reflect a growing urgency for food assistance, especially during the winter months when household expenses often climb.

Elizabeth & Radar from 99.1 The Mix (Shorewood store), Alley and DZ from 103.7 KISS FM (Brookfield store), and Sparky from 105.7 The Fan (Wauwatosa store) will be on location throughout the day, as well as guest appearances from several well-known sports mascots, community leaders, first responders, and even Santa Claus.

“Each year, Stuff the Bus reminds us what community really means. For 28 years, our listeners have shown up with generosity and heart — and this year, that support is more important than ever,” said Molly Cruz, Brand Manager of 99.1 WMYX and 103.7 WXSS. “Food insecurity continues to rise, and together, we can make sure families right here in Wisconsin have food on their tables this holiday season.”

In addition to purchasing non-perishable food items and donating them in marked barrels at Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market stores, shoppers across the region can also support Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin by joining ‘Grand Giving’ and rounding up their purchase to the nearest dollar in the checkout lane or tap the Round Up button when using self check-out.

“For 28 years, our organizations have made Stuff the Bus part of our holiday traditions. As we continue to grow our impact—with SIX locations this year—it’s events like this that truly Feed the Human Spirit, bringing people together around a shared goal of feeding others,” said Emilie Williamson, RDN, Division Corporate Affairs Manager for Pick ‘n Save and Metro Market. “I’m so humbled by the generosity of our shoppers, volunteers, fellow partners, those who help bring excitement to the day, and our planning committee. Together, we can feed more people. From the bottom of my heart—thank you.”

All non-perishable food donations will be transported to Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Milwaukee campus where dozens of community volunteers will unload, sort, and package it in preparation for immediate distribution to area food pantries and meal sites.

If you would like to learn more about how you can support your neighbors in need during Feeding America Eastern Wisconsin’s Stuff the Bus event, visit FeedingAmericaWI.org/Bus.