Michael Zachmann has always known he wanted to be a truck driver. From a young age, the open road called to him, and early in his career, driving for a nonprofit confirmed that serving others behind the wheel was exactly where he belonged.
After years of driving for several companies, Michael spent more than 20 years with a local pickup and delivery operation. When retirement came, he found himself missing not just the work, but the sense of usefulness that came with it.
Several years earlier, a fellow volunteer had mentioned Midwest Food Bank to Michael, sharing her excitement about the mission and the work being done. He tucked that conversation away, and when retirement arrived, he remembered.
Michael began volunteering as a Class A driver in late October and quickly found his place. The flexibility suits him, and the work keeps him active, engaged, and doing what he loves best.
One afternoon, Michael stopped in and was asked to take an unexpected truck run after another driver had already completed a route. Without hesitation, he was ready to go. Moments like that are exactly why this role feels like the perfect fit.
“It can be hard to fill the hole that retirement leaves,” Michael shared. “But here, I can always be useful.”
The more time he’s spent serving, the more at home he’s felt. Michael appreciates that volunteers can shape their service in ways that fit their strengths, and for him, that means staying behind the wheel and helping move food where it’s needed most.
