History

Midwest Food Bank (MFB), a faith-based, non-denominational nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization, was started in 2003 when the Kieser family began providing food out of a building on their family farm.  MFB began by serving about 10 food pantries in McLean County, Illinois.   Today we serve approximately 500 organizations across the midwest. The food given out each month now reaches over 100,000 people.

Food pantries with their vehicles lined up at the family farm waiting for loads of food in 2004.	Volunteers helping during local distribution after moving into the new Midwest Food Bank headquarters in Bloomington, Illinois, 2006.

After Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast in 2005, Midwest Food Bank decided to help.  Just days after the storm hit, we took the first load of food and supplies to Hattiesburg, Mississippi. We were asked by The Salvation Army to bring ten more loads to meet the needs of the populace.  By June, 2007, we had taken 130 loads of food and supplies to the Gulf Coast.

Midwest Food Bank trucks ready to go, 2007.	Katrina aftermath viewd by MFB volunteer delivering disaster supplies to Biloxi in 2005.

The amount of food we distribute has steadily grown over the years as we strive to fight hunger.  We receive donated food from food manufacturers, distributors, grocers, community and organizational food drives, and from individual donations of food and money.  Today, we distribute over $1 million in food each month.  

Nearly all contributions go directly towards program expenses by utilizing volunteers. MFB has a small staff, and operations would not be possible without the hundreds of committed volunteers.

Midwest Food Bank is a spiritually directed community organization consisting of hundreds of volunteers, generous donors, and corporate partners, all operating to serve those in need.