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Community helps MFB Give Thanks

In a nearly decade-long tradition, Midwest Food Bank joined local organizations to provide Thanksgiving meals to those in need. This tradition (now called "Give Thanks") has grown over time, as have the organizations involved. Last weekend, MFB, in partnership with Home Sweet Home Ministries and Thrivent, held Give Thanks 2...
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Food Deserts: Why don't they just take the bus?

The term "food desert" is becoming more common but if you don't live in a food desert, it's hard to know what that means.  A food desert is a geographical area with little to no access to healthy, affordable, nutritious food. People that live in these areas might have a corner convenience store or gas station that carries milk or limited produ...
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8 ideas from MFB to enhance your Holiday season

As we near the end of 2020 it's hard to know what holidays will look like this year. The large family gatherings or church traditions may be different but one thing stays the same - the desire to bring meaning to Christmas by helping those around us. We thought it would be helpful to provide some ideas (links below) on how to give and experience ho...
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USDA Deputy Under Secretary visits Midwest Food Bank

Midwest Food Bank, hosted Brandon Lipps and Tim English, of the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in late October. Brandon is the Deputy Under Secretary for the USDA Food, Nutrition, and Consumer Services, and Tim is the Midwest Regional Administrator. Mr. Lipps reached out and requested a tour of the MFB location in Normal, Illinois after reviewing ...
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293 Hits
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The Shop Forward blesses others through MFB

 A simple internet search, a love for fashion, and a desire to help people around the world - that's how Meri Barnes, CEO and founder of California based The Shop Forward, connected with Midwest Food Bank. The apparel company supports a variety of causes including disaster relief. The recent derecho in Iowa and hurricanes in the southeast...
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Midwest Food Bank shares a vision with the World Food Programme

Midwest Food Bank congratulates the World Food Programme for receiving the 2020 Nobel Peace Prize. We are thankful for the efforts of the WFP and fully agree that their impact is worthy of this world-class recognition. WFP is a leading humanitarian organization and addresses hunger and promotes food security worldwide. In 2019, WFP provided assista...
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MFB celebrates World Food Day 2020

Today, October 16, is World Food Day. It's an internationally recognized day in honor of the founding of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 1945. It's celebrated by organizations concerned with food insecurity. World Food Day meshes well with of mission of alleviating hunger. This year's theme, "Grow, Nourish, Sustain. T...
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MFB's partner agencies thankful for USDA Farmers to Families Food Program

COVID-19 created a disruption in the US food supply chain. Food producers and suppliers were unable to have food processed and transported. The USDA created the Farmers to Families Food Program to support US farmers and distributors and get that food to people that need it. The program has been authorized through the end of 2020. Midwest Food Bank ...
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The difference between hunger and food insecurity

Every industry has a "language" and food banks are no different. At Midwest Food Bank we use words like "hunger" and "food insecurity" on a regular basis. But, what do those words really mean? Hunger – This is a physical condition that is caused by a lack of food. Food Insecurity – The USDA defines this as the "lack of consistent access to enough f...
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Hope Packs Program helping local young students

Hope Packs, Midwest Food Bank's student weekend feeding program, is in full swing for the 2020-2021 school year. MFB Bloomington-Normal anticipates feeding 3,400 students from 51 schools this year. These students receive food every weekend throughout the school year, providing consistent access to nourishment.  Like almost everything this year...
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MFB Bloomington-Normal planning annual Thanksgiving meal distribution

The arrival of Fall finds MFB Bloomington-Normal in the middle of Big Give and preparing for Operation Give Thanks. Both events are centered around providing Thanksgiving meals for those in need. MFB partners with Home Sweet Home Ministries and Thrivent to make this all happen. We anticipate more households will be in need this year due to the fina...
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Food Bank vs. Food Pantry: What's the difference?

When visitors come to Midwest Food Bank for the first time they are often surprised by the size of our warehouses and the amount of food on our shelves. They aren't expecting forklifts, pallets, and semi-trucks. That's when the conversation turns to the difference between a food bank and a food pantry. Food banks – Midwest Food Bank, like other foo...
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2055 Hits
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MFB receiving thanks for COVID Disaster Relief

Midwest Food Bank has been shipping Disaster Relief all over the US since March (stories here and here). Family food boxes have have been helping people affected by business closures and layoffs. Volunteers have been assembling, filling, and driving food boxes every week. The Tender Mercies packing machine has been running non-stop, setting new pro...
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Midwest Food Bank's unique Disaster Relief year

Typically, in July and August, Midwest Food Bank is preparing for the Disaster Relief we will provide during hurricane season. 2020 has been anything but typical. Much of our effort since March has been focused on Disaster Relief. The COVID-19 crisis has placed many people in a position of food insecurity. Thanks to your support, we have been ...
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Connecting with Dad at Midwest Food Bank

It's that time of year again. Articles with titles like "Top ten gifts for Dad" show up. They appear for a reason. It can be difficult finding a meaningful gift for a parent. Forgive us for adding one more suggestion to the mix. Some truly unique and purposeful time spent with Dad would be a gift to both the giver and recipient. What dad wouldn't a...
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1229 Hits
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MFB working with food producers and suppliers

Challenges and opportunities describe the food supply chain in the United States due to COVID 19. At Midwest Food Bank we are focusing on the opportunities and how we can link potential food waste to people in need. MFB has started a "Save the Pork Program" that allows farmers to donate their hogs. With financial help from donors, MFB can cover the...
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743 Hits
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Midwest Food Bank agencies to benefit from USDA program

Midwest Food Bank is participating in a new USDA program benefitting food suppliers as well as those in need. The program is called the Farmers to Family Food Box Program. The USDA is partnering with national, regional, and local suppliers, who have been significantly impacted by the closure of food service businesses. The USDA will purchase u...
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5362 Hits
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MFB welcomes a new bookkeeper

The Midwest Food Bank central team welcomes a new bookkeeper to our team: Julie Bakewell. Julie will be assisting on the central and Haiti MFB accounts. She will be working out of the Bloomington-Normal location. Julie comes to Midwest Food Bank with many years of experience in accounting and non-profit work. They include time spent at State Farm a...
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1333 Hits
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MFB Bloomington-Normal welcomes new Volunteer Coordinator

There is a new face at Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal. Shelby Moore has joined our team as the new Volunteer Coordinator.  "Shelby has a unique skill set that will effectively complement our team," says Tara Ingham, Executive Director of MFB Bloomington-Normal. "She has a huge heart for local and global outreach." Shelby has her BA in Bu...
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Midwest Food Bank announces a new location in Pennsylvania

Midwest Food Bank will open a new location in the Hershey, Pennsylvania, area, MFB President and CEO David Kieser announced today. Jason and Aleta Serrano of New York are leading a team of organizers to expand MFB's impact. They are currently seeking a facility to lease for the new division. "In Pennsylvania, 1 in 8 households are food insecure, an...
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1719 Hits
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