39th Annual Stuff-A-Bus Food Drive Kicks Off October 15 with Goal of Collecting 15+ Tons of Food
CityLink will kick off its 39th Annual Stuff-A-Bus food drive on Thursday, October 15, 2026, at 10:00 AM at the Kroger located at 9219 N. Lindbergh Dr. in Peoria. Representatives from CityLink, Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service and Kroger will come together to officially launch this year’s campaign, which aims to collect 15 tons of nonperishable food to support the Peoria Friendship House food pantry.
Leading up to the kickoff, Cumulus Radio’s Z92.3 will broadcast live from the Kroger on Lindbergh from 8:00 to 10:00 AM, helping raise awareness about Stuff-A-Bus and sharing ways listeners can donate and get involved in this year’s campaign. Mascots from the Peoria Rivermen and Peoria Chiefs will also join the celebration.
Now in its 39th year, Stuff-A-Bus brings together CityLink, Kroger, local businesses, community organizations and residents to help address food insecurity in the Peoria area. Donations collected throughout the campaign directly benefit the Peoria Friendship House food pantry, which provides an average of 150,000 meals each year to individuals and families in need.
How to Donate
Participating Kroger locations in Peoria, East Peoria, and Pekin will collect nonperishable food donations throughout this year’s Stuff-A-Bus campaign. Participating locations include:
· Kroger – 9219 N. Lindbergh Dr, Peoria, IL
· Kroger – 801 W. Lake Ave, Peoria, IL
· Kroger – 201 S. Main St, East Peoria, IL
· Kroger – 1607 Broadway St, Pekin, IL
Participating Kroger stores will feature Stuff-A-Bus donation displays highlighting nonperishable food items needed by the Peoria Friendship House food pantry. Shoppers can purchase items from the displays or throughout the store and place their donations in Stuff-A-Bus collection bins located near the front of the store.
Community members can also drop off nonperishable food donations at the following locations:
· CityLink Administrative Offices – 129 Van Buren St, Peoria, IL 61603
· Jones Bros. Jewelers – 7705 N. Grand Prairie Dr, Peoria, IL 61615
· Peoria Police Department – 600 SW Adams St, Peoria, IL 61602
· Peoria Township Relief Office – 427 W. Main St, Peoria, IL 61606
· RiverPlex Recreation and Wellness Center – 600 NE Water St, Peoria, IL 61603
· Bonnie W. Noble Center – 1125 W. Lake Ave, Peoria, IL 61614
· WMBD Studios – 3131 N. University St, Peoria, IL 61604
Community Partners
Cumulus Radio, WYZZ Fox 43, WMBD CBS 31, Strictly Hip Hop 90.7 FM, WPNV 106.3, and CIPROUD.com are media partners for this year’s Stuff-A-Bus campaign and will help spread the word about the food drive and the ongoing need to support the Peoria Friendship House food pantry.
Amalgamated Transit Union Local #416 also continues its long-term support of Stuff-A-Bus.
The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service was established in 1951 as a response to the great need for assistance to individuals and families living in deep poverty. Peoria Friendship House provides valuable services such as food, medical assistance, youth education, adult education, employment preparation, and finance and employment coaching, while encouraging lasting change for those it serves. Their Advocacy, Coaching, Education and Support approach provides wrap-around services supported by short and long-term coaching for both the Latino and English-speaking communities. The staff at the Peoria Friendship House are dedicated to providing hope and guidance that offers a “hands up” rather than a handout.
The Peoria Friendship House forms collaborations with community partners to provide resources outside of their agency. For further information on Peoria Friendship House programs, please call 309-671-5200 or visit their website at friendship.house. The Peoria Friendship House of Christian Service is proud to be a Heart of Illinois United Way Community Partner.
For the most up-to-date information on this year’s food drive, please “like” the Stuff-A-Bus Facebook page at facebook.com/stuffabuspeoria.
RECOMMENDED FOOD DONATIONS
- Protein – Canned Meat, Beef Stew, Tuna, Canned Chili, Peanut Butter, Canned and Dried Beans
- Fruits & Vegetables – Canned Fruit, Canned Vegetables, Canned Soup, Fruit Juices, Jelly
- Carbohydrates – Pasta, Rice, Instant Potatoes, Macaroni & Cheese, Cereal, Pancake Mix, Oatmeal, Cake Mixes
- Dairy – Canned Milk, Instant Pudding
- Baby Food / Forumula
- Water – Bottled or Gallons
