Always ready, always there is how the National Guard describes themselves. At Midwest Food Bank we know this is true.

Since the end of March and until the end of June, the Indiana National Guard is providing about 50 men and women every week day to help MFB in all aspects of warehouse management and food distribution. Due to COVID 19 regular MFB volunteers, many in retirement, are unable to volunteer due to safety concerns. This has created a need as food requests have increased through MFB.

"In the midst of all this we would not have been able to distribute food without them," says Jeremy Baynai, operations manager at MFB Indiana. "They have kept us running." 

In fact, MFB has been able to share this volunteer force with some of the food pantries served by MFB. "We're all working together," says Debbi Wingate, volunteer coordinator at MFB Indiana.

As a small way of showing appreciation, MFB provides lunch for the National Guard each day. This is possible by donations from individuals, restaurants providing discounts, and money from local foundations.

The MFB staff was honored to witness the promotion ceremony of a National Guard member recently.  "They held the ceremony at the MFB warehouse," says Debbie.

Due to the efforts of the Indiana National Guard MFB has been able to continue to distribute food to people in need without interruptions. Please join us in thanking them and consider a donation to our lunch fund for these dedicated men and women.