Unique Programs at the Illinois-Bloomington Location

While Midwest Food Bank has a distinct mission and a steady set of values as an organization, God’s guidance has taken each of our locations on its own path of discovery and growth. We are proud that our community has provided enough support and volunteerism to fuel our own unique programs. Exclusive to the Bloomington location, these programs started as ideas from our volunteers and grew into compassionate acts of care that reach worldwide.

Hope Packs Program

Children struggling with food insecurity face adverse physical health, poor emotional well-being, and academic setbacks. The Backpack Feeding Program provides non-perishable, child-friendly food for children over the weekend.  Many children receive breakfast and lunch on school days but may lack access to food over the weekend. Providing meal and snack items each weekend ensures these children have access to food until that next school meal. For more Hope Packs Program information, click here.

Meat Program

While many think of canned foods and non-perishable items as common donations to food pantries, we know that meat is an important part of many diets. To ensure that the people of Central Illinois have access to meat along with their canned goods, we’ve partnered with local meat companies. Gridley Meats and Steidinger Meats process hogs donated by local farmers for Midwest Food Bank.  IL Corn Growers, IL Soybean Growers, and IL Pork Producers provide funding for the processing.

Serve Days

Serve Days are a large-scale volunteer event held on various Saturdays throughout the year. They offer a perfect opportunity to come help, learn more about MFB, and even take a tour. Give us a call at 309-663-5350 to find out about our next Serve Day and come Serve with us.

Remote Distributions

In an effort to serve more agencies, Midwest Food Bank has several off-site places where agencies can pick up food. They are usually operated out of borrowed warehouse space. Food is delivered to the site for a montly distribution, and volunteers facilitate it. Remote distributions offer Midwest Food Bank a cost-effective means of expanding our impact and reach. Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal currently has five remote distributions. They are:

Belle, WV • Serving 16 agencies
Clay City, KY • Serving 36 agencies
Fairfield, IL • Serving 85 agencies
New York City, NY • More of a special distribution, directly to individuals.