19th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive to help fight hunger in Sussex County Nov. 21-22

SUSSEX COUNTY, N.J. — The 19th annual Stuff the Bus Food Drive will return to Sussex County on Saturday, Nov. 21, and Sunday, Nov. 22, to collect nonperishable food, turkeys and other essential items for residents in need.

The annual event, held in partnership with ShopRite, benefits the Sussex County Division of Social Services food pantry, which serves approximately 14,000 residents each year.

Sussex County Skylands Ride buses will be stationed at participating ShopRite locations, allowing shoppers and community members to donate food and other necessities to help fill the buses and restock the pantry’s shelves ahead of Thanksgiving.

According to Sussex County officials, the food drive collects thousands of pounds of food each year through donations from residents and local businesses.

The pantry assists elderly residents living on fixed incomes, working families struggling to make ends meet and individuals who need additional assistance.

Officials said demand for food assistance continues to increase as economic pressures affect households throughout the county.

Donations will be accepted at five ShopRite locations on both days:

• ShopRite of Byram: 90-80 Route 206 North, Byram Township.
• ShopRite of Franklin: 270 Route 23, Franklin.
• ShopRite of Newton: 127 Water St. (Route 206), Newton.
• ShopRite of Sparta: 18 North Village Blvd., Sparta.
• ShopRite of Sussex: 1 Wiebel Plaza, Sussex.

Collection hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 21, and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 22.

Items particularly needed include peanut butter, jelly, tuna, canned meals, cereal, boxed mashed potatoes, pasta, spaghetti sauce, canned fruits and vegetables, hearty soups, ramen noodles and healthy snacks such as granola bars.

Donations of toiletries, personal hygiene products, baby diapers and wipes are also encouraged because those items are frequently in short supply.

Food and pet-related donations will also be accepted during the scheduled collection hours.

Those wishing to arrange donations outside the scheduled hours can call 973-383-3600.

Residents seeking food assistance for themselves or their families can visit the Sussex County Division of Social Services at 83 Spring St. in Newton, Monday through Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

For additional information about the food drive, visit www.sussex.nj.us.