MFB Normal's dual partnership with Wesley United Methodist Church

If you come to Midwest Food Bank Bloomington-Normal, you will likely meet someone from Wesley United Methodist Church.

They contribute to MFB in many ways - forklift drivers, first impression volunteers, SWAT Team (Sorting Wonderful Amazon Things), truck drivers, and leaders on food distribution days. Groups from the church also come to help with volunteer projects.

"Midwest Food Bank- Bloomington is simply a better place because of the support of Wesley United Methodist Church and its members," says Donna Haas, Volunteer Coordinator. "Not only does their financial support make a big impact, but their church members have a presence in every aspect of our operations."

Wesley United Methodist Church is also a nonprofit agency partner of MFB. They receive products for their Paper Distribution ministry they host monthly on Saturday mornings.

"From the beginning of our Wesley Distribution Ministry, we have relied on Midwest Food Bank for paper products," says Karen Daudlin, ministry director. "We could not continue this ministry without MFB."

The ministry started in 2018 and served 25 families. In June of this year, 530 families received toilet paper, paper towels, napkins, diapers, adult diapers, and female hygiene products.

"What we don't receive from MFB, we try to purchase to make sure our families have the supplies they need," says Karen. "It is a blessing that we don't have to come up with large amounts of money each month, and that is because of MFB."

Church members say volunteering is a way to thank MFB and work alongside others who want to impact their community.

"I started volunteering at MFB out of gratitude for their support of our church's paper distribution ministry," says Pam Good. "I continue because I have come to love the people I work with and the purpose we serve."

Pam is a regular SWAT Team member at MFB.