"Already this year, we have noticed that people remember last year's campaign, so it seems to be gaining plenty of momentum even before the day. We're expecting it to be even bigger than last year's total of 3564 items.
"It really was a no-brainer that we would do it again this year. There is a nice feeling everywhere we go with so much goodwill and giving for a great cause."
Rotorua Salvation Army corps officer Kylie Overbye said she was excited about the "Fill the Bus" campaign.
"Our staff and volunteers are looking forward to getting on board. We would encourage locals to participate and join in when they see the bus coming round.
"I'm hoping this food drive will boost the stock in the foodbank to give us a decent amount for the coming year because it's always a challenge to keep our foodbank full," she said.
Rotorua Daily Post deputy editor Katie Holland said the newspaper staff were looking forward to the big drive.
"Last year it was an amazing day and it was such a thrill to see the community get behind the cause.
"Hopefully we can fill the bust to bursting again this year."
This year the bus will be making stops throughout the city to collect food items for the appeal. The schedule starts at the Redwood Shopping Centre at 7.10am, and finishes at the Salvation Army on Old Taupo Rd at 6.50pm.
There will be 21 stops throughout the day including six schools.
Fill the Bus public schedule:
7.10am-7.40am: Redwood Shopping Centre, Tarawera Roundabout
8am-8.20am: St Andrews Shops, Otonga Rd
8.30am-8.50am: Western Heights Shops, Brookland Rd
9.40am-9.50am: Haupapa St outside old Library Building
11am-11.20am: Ngongotaha Village, Main Rd
12.20pm-12.50pm: Mitre 10 Mega, Trade Central
1.20pm-1.30pm: Toi Ohomai Institute Of Technology
1.40pm-2pm: Rotorua Lakes Council Building, Fenton St
2.50pm-3pm: Owhata Shops, Te Ngae Rd
3pm-3.10pm: Te Ngae Shopping Centre, Te Ngae Rd
3.30pm-4pm: Pak n Save, Amohau St
4.10pm-4.40pm: Rotorua Central Mall, Foodcourt entrance
5pm-5.30pm: Countdown, Fairy Springs Rd
5.40pm-6pm: Westend Shops, Malfroy Rd
6.10pm-6.50pm: Salvation Army, Old Taupo Rd
- List does not include non-public stops.