Wegmans Food Market stores in Maryland and Virginia are holding a two-week “Fill the Bus” food drive to support local food banks’ increased summer needs. Customers are invited to help “Fill the Bus” by donating items that provide healthy meals for children when they do not have access to free or reduced-price meals at school. The food drive runs through July 4.

Customer service desks at the 14 participating stores have posted wish lists of non-perishable items that are intended to be nutritious and easy to prepare, like tuna fish, peanut butter, and canned soup. Products to donate will also be displayed by the registers and can be purchased at checkout and then placed in the “Fill the Bus” collection bin located by the front of the store.

“The summer months are an especially challenging time for food banks because there’s an increased need for meals when children are home from school. These donations will help meet that critical need and reduce hunger in local neighborhoods,” said Wegmans Community Relations Manager Linda Lovejoy.

Donations are being collected and transported to the food banks that partner with each store, remaining in the immediate community. The food drive at the new Alexandria-area Wegmans benefits the Capital Area Food Bank.