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 ...
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...
What happens when you connect the resources of Midwest Food Bank and a corporate donation? 968 food boxes get delivered every week to people that live below the poverty line.For several years MFB Peoria has delivered food to Harlan, Kentucky, where 43 percent of the population has an income below the poverty line. A semi of food is loaded at the wa...
At work and at church LaDonna Orr was encouraged to serve and volunteer. She first volunteered with a group from work several years ago, and then a recent message at church about service re-enforced that idea."LaDonna is an amazing ambassador for Midwest Food Bank Peoria," says Dominica Rogers, Community Relations and Volunteer Manager.LaDonna reti...
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 ...
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...
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...
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...
Like most people, Darrell Pine planned and looked forward to retirement. His goal was to retire without financial worries or demands. So, when he punched out for the last time from Caterpillar last year, he knew he wanted to spend time at the gym, play some pickleball and softball, go fishing and explore photography.But he also doesn't take this ti...
When Whitney Creath lifts a heavy box during food distribution days, she knows she is lightening the load for a family. She knows because, as a teenager, her family relied on food banks, Ramen noodles, and peanut butter and jelly for some difficult years."I remember thinking, 'when I grow up, I want to be an adult that helps make things better...
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...
Midwest Food Bank has hired Audrey Kamm as Executive Director of our Peoria, IL, location. She will assume the role on February 1. Audrey is replacing long-time Director Monica Scheuer, who is retiring at the end of this month. Audrey most recently served as the Vice President of Operations for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. There, she manage...
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...
Big or small - businesses have found a way to support Midwest Food Bank. From a coffee shop to a grocery store chain to a heavy equipment manufacturer, they've all found ways to contribute to our mission. Their support comes in a variety of ways as they create a culture of giving. Here are a few ways they impact nonprofits. 1. Grants - Some busines...
From manufacturing to healthcare to Midwest Food Bank, Temple Roe has a professional path that will be an asset to MFB. She joined the MFB staff as Human Resources Director this fall. "I'm thrilled to have found my way into a non-profit that provides to so many families and communities in need," says Temple. As the HR Director for Midwest Food...
A series of events in 2019 and the following year led Roberta White to the Cuba Food Pantry. Her husband lost his job, a death in the family, and her cancer diagnosis."The whole year was about medical, and it took a lot of gas to go to appointments and radiation daily for a month," says Roberta.Her family's food assistance from the food pantry at t...
Students at Limestone High School in Bartonville have a group of Moms they can count on. Those women are a group called Moms Who Care, and they make sure students have access to basic needs, including healthy snacks. That's where Midwest Food Bank Peoria comes into the picture. Moms Who Care is one of the many nonprofits that receive food, without ...
When it comes to conversation, Dominica Rogers can span topics from geological forces to counted cross-stitch.That gift makes her a perfect fit for her Community Relations and Volunteer Manager position at Midwest Food Bank Peoria. She joined the staff in August."Dominica brings much community and volunteer relations experience, and she is looking ...
