USU changes how they Stuff-a-Bus

This November, volunteers from all over Cache Valley are working with the Student Nutrition Access Center in Utah State University’s annual Stuff-a-Bus charity event. For students who remember the same event from previous years may be surprised to find that it is different this year.

“Last year we took a bus to one of the football games to try and get donations, but it wasn’t very effective so we changed a few things,” said Chandra Marsh, co-director of SNAC.

In addition to changing some of their promotions, the Stuff-a-Bus event has also changed its coordinator to the SNAC community and opened up the opportunity to volunteer to more than just Aggies in hopes of raising even more donations than last year.

“In 2014, Aggie volunteers helped gather almost 7,000 pounds of food for the Cache Community Food Pantry,” said Nelda Ault, program director of the Val R. Christensen Service Center.

This year, volunteers have the opportunity every Sunday to go around different areas in Cache Valley handing out grocery bags explaining what they are doing. Then, on Monday, the volunteers return in buses provided by USU to collect the bags and food that people donate.

“Last year they raised about 6,900 pounds of food. Right now we have 5,000 pounds but we still have a next weeks, and I want to beat the goal from last year,” Marsh said.

This event is about more than beating a goal though. All the food collected goes to the Cache Valley Food Bank, which then distributes it to over 140 families who come to the food bank looking for help.

Cache Valley families aren’t the only ones who benefit from the Cache Valley Food Bank, though.

“We normally get our food from sources on campus, but sometimes we run out. If we didn’t have that partnership with Cache Valley Food Bank then we wouldn’t be able to keep our pantry full, especially since the number of students using it has already doubled this year,” Marsh said.

But this event does more than just help those in need of food. Volunteers also claim to receive their own benefit from participating in this charity.

“It’s a great way to meet people and support the community. It’s also so much fun,” said Marissa Miller, a student volunteer.

— shaniehoward214@gmail.com