“Stuff a MATA Bus”: Food drive helps hungry families across the Mid-South

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — You can help hungry families across the Mid-South by donating food and other needed items.

The Mid-South Food Bank and MATA are hosting the 12th annual “Stuff a MATA Bus” Food Drive.

The food drive supports Hunger Action Month during September.

According to a release from the food bank, the event brings nutritious and wholesome food to hungry children, families and seniors in the area.

“Mid-South Food Bank is grateful for MATA’s support in feeding the community it serves,” says Cathy Pope, President & CEO of Mid-South Food Bank.

The food drive is happening Thursday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Poplar Plaza, at the corner of Poplar and Highland.

Items most needed include non-perishables, canned foods, diapers, and baby wipes.

One man who showed up Thursday morning said it felt good to help people in need.

“I think if you got, then you should give,” John Little said. “I’m going to give every time.”

Volunteers stood along the street holding signs to collect food and monetary donations from people who were waiting at the stop light.

“Volunteers are such a big deal for the Mid-South Food Bank. They were able to pack boxes when they come out to our mobile distributions and give out things like that. They come out to things like that,” said Nicole Willis, marketing and communication manager of the Mid-South Food Bank.

Nicole Rissis, managing and communication manager for the Mid-South Food Bank, said volunteers are a big deal to the organization.

She said volunteers help pack boxes and assist with mobile food pantry distributions.

Nicole Willis with the Food Bank said the goal is to stuff the bus to capacity to eliminate hunger in communities across the Mid-South.

“Filling this bus means that are seniors are able to eat, our kids are able to eat, our families are able to eat,” she said.

The Mid-South Food Bank distributes food to partner programs in 31 counties across West Tennessee, North Mississippi, and East Arkansas, where nearly 20% of the population struggles with food insecurity and hunger.

If you missed it, you can visit their website or one of their remote locations.

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