When people ask me what I do at Midwest Food Bank, I usually smile because the truth is, no matter what my role is on paper, a big part of my job is simply telling the story of what happens here every day: neighbors serving neighbors, and hope moving through this warehouse one box at a time.
I’m Dennis Hall, Executive Director for Midwest Food Bank, and I have the privilege of being part of the team that helps connect our mission to the community, sharing updates, inviting others to get involved, and helping shine a light on the real heroes behind the scenes. And the more time I spend here, the more convinced I become of one thing:
Midwest Food Bank is powered by volunteers.
On any given day, you’ll find volunteers of all ages and backgrounds working side by side packing food, sorting donations, labeling boxes, loading trucks, and praying over the communities we serve. Some come once a week, some once a month, and some whenever life allows. Every shift matters, and every willing set of hands makes a difference.
What moves me most is why people serve. I’ve heard volunteers say they simply want to give back. Others share that their family has faced hard seasons, and they understand what it means to need help. Some just want to be part of something bigger than themselves. Whatever brings them through our doors, they show up with humble hearts, and that spirit is felt throughout everything we do.
Midwest Food Bank may look like a warehouse, but it’s really a community built on compassion, faith, and service. And our volunteers are the foundation of it all. Their faithfulness is the reason donations become deliveries, and deliveries become meals for children, seniors, and families facing hunger.
To every volunteer who has packed a box, lifted a load, driven a mile, offered a prayer, or encouraged a teammate, thank you. Your service matters, and your faithfulness leaves a lasting impact.
I’m honored to serve alongside you.
— Dennis Hall
Click here to see a recent Facebook post showing volunteers serving together during a distribution day.
