For the first time in history, enough food is produced to feed everyone. Globally, farmers are growing over 22 billion pounds of produce every day, enough to provide every person on the planet almost twice, according to the Farm Link Project. It's not about having enough food; it's about getting the roughly 30-40% of the wasted US food supply into ...
Midwest Food Bank Florida is excited to welcome John McKinnon as our new Community Relations and Volunteer Manager. With two decades of experience in both business and nonprofit management, John's addition to the team is a significant milestone. His expertise and dedication align perfectly with Midwest Food Bank's mission. John's professional journ...
The day after Hurricane Idalia struck Florida's Big Bend area, Midwest Food Bank Florida wasted no time responding. They dispatched truckloads of food and water, totaling over 335,000 pounds, into the disaster zone. Their commitment to aiding in the long-term recovery effort is unwavering. As a trusted frontline disaster relief partner for organiza...
There are many moving parts, people, and equipment during food distribution days at the Midwest Food Bank Florida warehouse.MFB staff ensure that food is ready and that volunteers and staff are ready to safely accomplish the goal of meeting the needs of our food partners. MFB is committed to safety training so everyone is prepared for these busy wa...
When corporate groups volunteer at Midwest Food Bank Florida, there is an atmosphere of teamwork and collaboration. MFB staff always enjoy the liveliness of these groups. Usually, these events happen at the MFB warehouse, but it was more fitting to take the event to the group recently."MFB recently received a special request to organize a bulk-prod...
When volunteers from Crossover Community Center packed Cheez-It's at Midwest Food Bank Florida, it was a natural extension of their programs. CCC is a local nonprofit that uses the biblical principles of love and servanthood through active faith in Jesus Christ. They provide programs like volunteering, sports, and education to reach young people."T...
A healthy start is a challenge for children in East Africa. That start can impact them for the rest of their life. Kapu Africa (Midwest Food Bank East Africa) isn't backing away from big goals to provide that healthy start by reducing stunting in Kenya and across East Africa. What is stunting? It is when a child has a low height fo...
We get excited about equipment at Midwest Food Bank. That's because it helps us safely and efficiently fulfill our mission.At MFB Florida, the excitement is real because three pieces of equipment are now part of the fleet - a forklift, a refrigerated utility trailer, and a semi-truck."While the upfront equipment expense is costly, it ensures the re...
One of the privileges of Midwest Food Bank is adding new non profit partners and learning about the work they do. MFB recently added Broken Butterflies to the list of agencies that get food, without charge, at the Florida warehouse.Broken Butterflies creates a long-term recovery plan for people with addictions. They reintroduce former prisoner...
As she finishes her college education and looks ahead to working in the nonprofit sector, MFB Florida intern Caitlyn says her experience helped her expand skills she will use in her professional career."I witnessed the incredible impact that a dedicated group of individuals can have on the lives of those in need. It was a privilege to be part of a ...
What started as a requirement ended up being an experience for Florida Gulf Coast University student Elise.She initially volunteered at Midwest Food Bank Florida for the Winter Harvest fundraising event as a service hour requirement for her degree. She has completed that requirement but also experienced the accomplishment of assisting others and co...
Perceptions and reality don't always match up. You might be surprised to learn that 53% of food-insecure people work full-time.So, the suggestion "Why don't they just get a job?" falls flat for more than half the people choosing between putting gas in their car, paying a utility bill, or going to the grocery store.The USDA defines food insecurity a...
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 ...
There are a few changes in the MFB Florida advisory board with the retirement of president Stanley Sinn. WE're also blessed to welcome a well-qualified replacement. Stan Sinn served as the first MFB Florida advisory board president for seven years. He retired from this role at the end of 2022. "When you meet Stan, you can feel his ...
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...
Midwest Food Bank values our donors, and we make effective use of every gift with integrity. We frequently receive questions about various ways to give to MFB, and one mechanism – IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution - is a way that benefits donors and MFB. Making an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) You can donate up to $100,000 in...
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...
How Melanie Tennell became the new Marketing Director at MFB is a "God story." She felt a little unsettled in her previous position at Pekin Insurance when her former boss Jackie reached out to her. Jackie connected Melanie with her acquaintance, Jada Hoerr, MFB Chief Resource Officer. "God's timing prevails," says Melanie. "Every. Single. Tim...
Have you ever wondered what a nonprofit board does? Like all nonprofits, Midwest Food Bank is governed by a board of Directors. These twelve volunteers provide strategic and financial oversight for the organization. Additionally, each of the twelve MFB locations has an advisory board. While the employees lead the daily operations, the board pl...
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 On November 30 and December 1, Midwest Food Bank Directors for all US location met in Morton, IL, for two days of encouragement, fellowship, and support. This included directors from Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Il...
