For 20 years, Lake County residents have been filling a bus with food instead of passengers.

The annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive returns Oct. 24, with the Lake County Office of Transit Services collecting nonperishable food to help stock the shelves at Lake Cares Food Pantry.

Residents can bring donations from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to Publix at Loch Leven Landing, 18955 US Highway 441 in Mount Dora, where a Lake County Connection bus will be waiting to be filled.

Since the drive began two decades ago, Lake County Transit employees, volunteers and residents have collected more than 74,000 pounds of food for local families.

The donations come as Lake Cares continues to see significant demand for food assistance throughout the county. In 2025, the nonprofit served 74,998 individuals representing 20,792 families. The organization distributes about 25,000 pounds of food each week and more than 1.3 million pounds annually.

Lake Cares operates its main pantry in Mount Dora along with distribution sites throughout the county. Its programs also provide weekend food for children, emergency food assistance, food bags for people experiencing homelessness and support for foster youth through Forward Paths Foundation.

Storage has become another challenge. Lake Cares reports that limited space prevents the organization from accepting more than 1 million pounds of available donated food each year and is working toward expanded facilities.

Stuff the Bus gives residents a chance to contribute directly to the pantry’s supply.

Requested donations include canned meats, vegetables, fruits, soups, stews and chili; canned or packaged pasta; peanut butter; cereal; rice cakes; tea and coffee; pancake mix and syrup; powdered milk; juice boxes; sugar; baby food and formula; granola and cereal bars; and dry or canned pet food.

Even after two decades and tens of thousands of pounds of donations, the goal remains simple: fill the bus and get food onto the tables of Lake County families who need it.

The 20th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Oct. 24 at Publix at Loch Leven Landing, 18955 US Highway 441, Mount Dora.

For more information, call the Lake County Office of Transit Services at 352.323.5733.