Unitrans and the Davis Food Co-op will host the eighth annual “Stuff the Bus” event Saturday, Dec. 14, from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the parking lot of the Davis Food Co-op, at 620 G St.

Unitrans, a service of the Associated Students of UC Davis, or ASUCD, and Davis Food Co-op come together to invite the community to pack one of Unitrans’ vintage double-decker red buses with food and other essential items. All donations go toward supplying The Pantry, a campus space managed by ASUCD that provides food and necessities to college students experiencing food scarcity. 

“The Pantry is looking to sustain student and employee well-being, so they don’t have to worry about their next meal,” said Andie Tarabzooni, director of The Pantry. “We hope to provide food and resources that benefit people and leave them energized and refreshed.”

The Pantry’s most-needed food donations include soups, canned proteins, oats, seasoning spices, pasta, rice, beans, nuts, coffee blends, broth, purées of any kind, coconut milk, diced tomatoes, ramen, crackers, sauces, lentils, chickpeas, tomato paste and nonperishable food items of any kind. 

“We look to take things that are more than just a quick bite and are instead sufficient enough to get people through the day,” Tarabzooni said. “But, if people are looking to donate to The Pantry, we will always accept a donation as long as it meets safety guidelines.”

Highly prioritized non-food donations include hygiene items such as deodorant, menstrual pads, shampoo, conditioner, disinfecting wipes, toothbrushes, toothpaste and diapers. 

The Davis Food Co-op is a local grocer founded by UC Davis students in 1972. It provides the community with a 100% organically grown produce department, necessities and specialty items of all categories. Those who choose to donate to the Co-op help support local farmers, organizations and the local community. 

If the bus is completely stuffed with donations by event’s end, the Co-op will donate $500 to The Pantry. If not, that money will go toward completing the goal of stuffing the bus. 

The first 50 donors will receive a Unitrans pass good for 10 rides on the campus-city transit service. The top deck of the bus will be open to all.