The Calgary Food Bank celebrated a significant milestone this weekend as it hosted its 30th annual Stuff-a-Bus event in partnership with Calgary Co-op and Calgary Transit. The community initiative brought together volunteers and donors at two dozen Co-op locations throughout Saturday morning, filling multiple transit buses with essential food items for families facing food insecurity.
Three Decades of Community Support
This year marked three decades since the first Stuff-a-Bus event launched in Calgary. The long-standing tradition has become one of the city's most recognizable food drive events, bringing together corporate partners, volunteers, and community members for a common cause. The event took place on Saturday, November 21, 2025, continuing its legacy of addressing hunger in the community.
Calgary Co-op stores served as the primary collection points across the city, with Calgary Transit providing buses and personnel to manage the logistics of gathering and transporting donations. The partnership between these three organizations has proven effective year after year, creating a streamlined process for collecting and distributing much-needed food supplies.
How the Event Works
Shoppers visiting Calgary Co-op locations throughout the morning were encouraged to purchase extra non-perishable food items and personal care products to donate. Volunteers stationed at each location helped collect donations and load them onto waiting Calgary Transit buses parked outside the stores.
The event spanned two dozen Co-op stores simultaneously, maximizing the reach across different Calgary neighborhoods. This distributed approach made it convenient for residents throughout the city to participate regardless of their location. The coordinated effort ensured that donations would reach the Calgary Food Bank's warehouse efficiently for sorting and distribution.
Addressing Growing Food Insecurity
The timing of the annual Stuff-a-Bus event is particularly crucial as winter approaches and many Calgary families face increased financial pressures. Food banks typically experience higher demand during the colder months when utility costs rise and seasonal employment opportunities decrease.
The Calgary Food Bank relies heavily on community-driven events like Stuff-a-Bus to maintain adequate inventory levels throughout the year. Non-perishable food items, baby supplies, and personal hygiene products were among the most requested donations, reflecting the diverse needs of the individuals and families the organization serves.
While specific donation totals from this year's event weren't immediately available, previous Stuff-a-Bus events have collected enough food to support thousands of Calgarians experiencing food insecurity. The success of this year's 30th anniversary event demonstrates the ongoing commitment of Calgary residents to supporting their neighbors in need.
