When groups of people sign up together at Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal, it makes a huge difference. There is power in numbers.On distribution days, MFB food partners come to our warehouse to receive food without charge. It takes 60-70 people each distribution day to make it all happen. When groups of people volunteer together, it helps MFB ...
During the pandemic, people from Ono United Methodist Church noticed some needs in their community and responded by starting a food pantry. Those needs haven't stopped. They have increased. Sometimes, up to a dozen cars are lined up waiting for food. Some of the food they distribute comes from Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania."We have increased our s...
MFB began a partnership with Amazon as a food donor in 2020. Since then, Amazon has provided loads of product across the MFB footprint and is a valued food donor for the organization. Some divisions have picked up Amazon Fresh regular loads - a tremendous source of nutritious and fresh food. That partnership continues to grow and expand in exciting...
In February, when a train derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, Police Officer Buddy Calzado wanted to help. It didn't matter that he was a police officer in Fort Worth, Texas. He knew that bottled water would be something in high demand.The FWPD collected a few pallets of water and also called on Midwest Food Bank Texas to see if they could donate add...
Nick Colletti isn't new to the nonprofit sector, but he is new to Midwest Food Bank Texas. He joined the staff in March as the Development Director.Nick brings extensive fundraising experience to MFB TX Since 2006, Nick has worked for nonprofits, including Junior Achievement of Central Iowa, Big Brothers and Big Sisters of Central Iowa, and the Bri...
For the past five years, Rick Duley has been a dedicated warehouse volunteer for Midwest Food Bank Arizona. That experience will come in handy for MFB. He joined the staff as the Warehouse Coordinator in March."Rick has a positive demeanor, a strong focus on safety, and takes time to listen to volunteers and agencies," says Merilee Baptiste, Execut...
When a local church called Midwest Food Bank Georgia to ask how they could pray for MFB during Lent, Barbara Roy knew it wasn't a coincidence.Barbara volunteers one day a week at MFB and coordinates the prayer team efforts. What are the odds the church would call on the day she volunteers and answers the phone?"I knew it was not just a coincidence ...
The best way to describe Crossroads Food Pantry is "full service." Located on the Thomas Crossroad Church campus, the pantry has grown in the last three years from a small cabinet of food to giving 2,000 pounds of food away every Monday. Crossroads is a nonprofit partner of Midwest Food Bank Georgia. "Our model is a grocery store environment where ...
Keep or pitch? That's the question everyone faces when cleaning out a refrigerator or a pantry. The date on the product is usually the determining factor if it stays or goes. But those dates are one of the biggest reasons that 30-40 percent of food in the United States is thrown away even though it is still safe to consume. The dates printed ...
MFB began a partnership with Amazon as a food donor in 2020. Since then, Amazon has provided loads of product across the MFB footprint and is a valued food donor for the organization. Some divisions have picked up Amazon Fresh regular loads - a tremendous source of nutritious and fresh food. That partnership continues to grow and expand in exciting...
A hot meal, seven days a week, no questions asked.Enfield Loaves and Fishes provides that to those who walk in their door. Those doors are open again after the board of volunteers navigated the challenges of feeding the food-insecure during the pandemic. Late in 2019, Loaves and Fishes moved to a new location, but once the pandemic hit, they c...
The options at a vending machine in Gilbert during the holiday season didn't include snacks or soft drinks. Instead, selections included hygiene kits, meals, or disaster relief boxes. It's a unique concept of "give instead of get" at these mobile vending machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates these red mobile machines as...
On September 5, 2015, Keven King was released from prison. It was time to start a new life. He connected with a ministry called Jesus Inside Prison Ministry (JIPM), and the mentoring, food, and encouragement he received created a new path."The support meant so much to me. It was the first time I had received support in my entire life. I could atten...
At first, Glenn Koehler thought he would spend his retirement years teaching. It seemed like a natural transition after spending 38 years as a pediatric dentist, serving on a school board, coaching little league, and being a board member of a children's museum."I just kept returning to fulfilling a human need, like feeding people," says Glenn.Then ...
Experience and faith make Corey Barrette an excellent fit for Midwest Food Bank New England. He joined the staff in February as the Volunteer and Community Relations Manager."God provides the right people at the right time," says Jan Young, MFB New England Executive Director. "We greatly appreciate Corey's volunteer management experience and his he...
Kenny and Suzie Pilon say they wanted to stay active in their retirement. Like many retirees, they planned to spend time with their family and travel. Fortunately for Midwest Food Bank, the couple also includes volunteering as part of their active lifestyle. "They are both serving in roles where we always need more volunteers," says Carrie Do...
Shirley Christensen worked as an Office Manager at a "close-knit, family-feel" organization. When a larger company bought out the business in 2011, dynamics changed, and she knew it was time to retire. It was a good decision as Shirley began "Gigi School," helping her granddaughter two days a week. It was a wonderful bonding time for them. Shirley ...
Volunteer opportunities abound!Are looking for a way to use your gifts? We are seeking a number of volunteers for roles needing some specific skills. Design and Communication AssistantAttributes: Creative, sensibility for color and design.Time Commitment: At least twice per month, no maximum. A Design and Communication Assistant works within the MF...
Midwest Food Bank Normal, IL, is pleased to introduce you to three new members of the advisory board. They serve in a volunteer capacity, and we're thankful for their support of our mission. Denise Brim - Denise is married to Trace Brim, and they have four teenage daughters. She works from home as an online reseller. Each year, Denise is actively i...
When Hurricane Ian hit Florida in September of last year, it left a path of destruction. When the hurricane passed, Gladiolus Food Pantry in Fort Myers was left with a water-damaged building and a loss of almost all of its inventory. They continued to stay committed to helping their community of Harlem Heights following Hurricane Ian even though th...
