January Challenge
Join the Midwest Food Bank January Challenge and learn about food insecurity in a hands-on way! Invite your friends or engage your family. These activities will have more impact if you do them with someone else.
Didn't get started on January 1? No problem! You can join at any time. You can even begin early.
Your participation can inspire others. Let us know how you are doing with the challenge by emailing us at
Saturday, January 1 • Get Stylin’
If Santa forgot to bring you your MFB branded gear - treat yourself! Pick out that perfect hoodie, scarf, or soft blanket - visit the Midwest Food Bank Store online and snag something to keep you warm and cozy all season long. Then share a selfie modeling your MFB gear and send it to
Winner announced Feb. 5
Sunday, January 2 • Pray Over this Scripture
What is God speaking to you as you meditate on this verse? “Listen, my dear brothers and sisters: Has not God chosen those who are poor in the eyes of the world to be rich in faith and to inherit the kingdom he promised those who love him?” James 2:5
Monday, January 3 • Coffee for a Cause
Make coffee at home this week and donate your savings to Midwest Food Bank. MFB takes every dollar that is donated and turns it into $30 worth of food! At the end of the week, donate your coffee savings.
Tuesday, January 4 • Family Time
Gather up the family and friends and spend the afternoon creating and coloring in MFB’s 2021 Holiday Activity Book.
Wednesday, January 5 • Donate your Peanut Butter
Host a peanut butter drive at your local school or church this winter. Did you know that peanut butter is one of the most sought-after food items for food banks and food pantries? It’s packed with protein, shelf-stable, and oh yeah – it’s delicious. Drop off your peanut butter stash at your nearest Midwest Food Bank where it will travel to the agencies that need it most!
Thursday, January 6 • Spend $1.90 on Food for 1 Day
9.2% of the world survives on less than $1.90 a day. Try making your food stretch today, and don’t spend more than $1.90. Take a minute to reflect on the plight of billions of people worldwide who will survive on less than $2 a day - sometimes even less.
Friday, January 7 • Get off the Couch
No seriously. Get off the couch, pick up the cushions and see how much change is under there. Take your couch change and see if you have enough to buy your favorite food at the grocery store.
Saturday, January 8 • Cook with Your Loved Ones
Plan a special meal you and your family love. Invite everyone over and take a moment to reflect on the joy it brings to gather around a table and share food with the ones you care about most. Email soci
The winner will be announced Feb. 5.
Sunday, January 9 • The Power of Prayer
Ask your church network or friends to pray for those experiencing food insecurity in your community. Spend time educating yourself on the need in your area – and lift up those who are struggling right now.
Monday, January 10 • What’s in Your Pantry?
Dig through your cupboards and find the “weirdest” or most “random” item. Email
The winner will be announced Feb. 5.
Tuesday, January 11 • Tune In
Listen to a podcast with MFB Co-Founder and President David Kieser. Be inspired by the God Stories.
Wednesday, January 12 • A Fresh Start
Ring in the new year the right way! Challenge yourself to eat as many fresh and healthy foods (fruits, veggies, nuts, yogurt, etc.) as you can today – and start the new year off right!
Thursday, January 13 • Disaster Relief
As a first responder to Salvation Army, we can have family food boxes on the road to a disaster site within 24 hours of a request. Watch videos about MFB Disaster Relief.
Friday, January 14 • Tender Mercies
Learn about Tender Mercies, MFB's nutritious packaged rice and beans meal.
Saturday, January 15 • Share Your Thoughts
Read any three blog posts on the MFB blog. Leave a comment and let us know your thoughts.
Sunday, January 16 • Pray Over this Scripture.
What is God speaking to you as you meditate on this verse? “Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done.” Proverbs 19:17
Monday, January 17 • Give Your Time
Volunteer at a food pantry or soup kitchen in the area. Here is a list of pantries near you.
Tuesday, January 18 • Tour Your Local MFB
Invite a friend to take a tour of a Midwest Food Bank close to you. Learn about our facilities with a friend and explore new ways to get involved.
Wednesday, January 19 • Lunch and Learn
Spend your lunch break learning about Midwest Food Bank's efforts to fight food insecurity and provide hunger relief in the United States. Click here.
Thursday, January 20 • Be the Change
Start your own fundraiser and rally your friends together to support the Midwest Food Bank mission. Sign up is as easy as 1,2,3!
Friday, January 21 • Make a Meal Plan for the Next Week
Those living in Food Insecurity don’t know where they’ll get their next meal. The act of having a weekly meal plan is not possible. Celebrate your ability to plan and know that you have access to food.
Saturday, January 22 • Shop with Purpose
Shop with purpose and participate in Charitable Reward programs.
Sunday, January 23 • Pray Over this Scripture
What is God speaking to you as you meditate on this verse? “May the God who gives endurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had.” Romans 15:5
Monday, January 24 • Sponsor a Child
By bundling donated, child-friendly, shelf-stable foods and supplementing with purchased food, we provide a consistent Hope Pack for children in need. For only $50, you can support a child the entire school year. Learn more about Midwest Food Bank's Hope Packs Program.
Tuesday, January 25 • Virtual Food Drive
Support the MFB location of your choice or the area of greatest need with a virtual food drive.
Wednesday, January 26 • Bake-Off
Spend time in the kitchen with your family. Using a family recipe as a guide, bake a delicious treat with your loved one. Talk about how food has brought your family together throughout the year.
Thursday, January 27 • Count Your Calories
The USDA states that the average person needs “roughly 2,100 calories per day per person.”
Count your calories today to see how far under or over you are.
Friday, January 28 • Pray Over this Scripture
What is God speaking to you as you meditate on this verse? “The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” Proverbs 22:9
Saturday, January 29 • Treat Yourself
Spend the day pampering yourself as you bring your month-long challenge to an end. Go to the store and buy your favorite snacks. Relax and enjoy a movie while eating something delicious. Take a photo of yourself chilling on the couch with your food and send it to
Sunday, January 30 • Pray Over this Scripture
What is God speaking to you as you meditate on this verse? “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” 2 Corinthians 5:17
Monday, January 31 • Try Something New
Try a food you’ve never had before. Snap a picture of yourself or take a video of yourself trying a new food for the first time. Share it with us for a chance to win a special prize. Email photos and a description of the food you are trying for the first time to
WHEW! You made it! Give yourself and your team a high five. Thanks for your participation. We hope you learned about food insecurity and had a fun, inspiring time.