In 2025, Midwest Food Bank continued to strengthen relationships with donors who share a commitment to nutrition. These partnerships expanded access to protein, fresh produce, hydration, vitamins, and baby food across our network. Each relationship reflects a shared calling to serve with care and compassion, ensuring the food distributed supports both daily nourishment and long-term health.
Several donor partnerships in 2025 stood out for the scope, quality, and nutritional value of the products shared:
• An extended relationship with Nestlé Health Science gave Midwest Food Bank new access to vitamins, supplements, and breakfast on-the-go drinks. These products helped partner agencies offer nutrition that supports recovery, wellness, and daily resilience.
• An expanded footprint with Lineage Foundation across Florida, Illinois, Pennsylvania, and Texas provided a key source of protein and dairy, strengthening the availability of balanced food options.
• Midwest Food Bank also deepened its relationship with Bright Farms, increasing access to fresh, locally grown lettuce from Illinois. In 2025, this partnership resulted in 44 loads totaling more than 275,000 pounds of fresh produce.
• An expanded partnership with Keurig Dr Pepper allowed the distribution of drinks and applesauce across multiple states, including Georgia and Texas, supporting hydration and family-friendly nutrition.
• From Northeast Pennsylvania, Hershey Salty Snacks contributed popcorn and pretzels, offering shelf-stable items that complement fresh and protein-based foods and provide practical options for partner agencies.
One of the most significant nutrition efforts in 2025 centered on baby food distribution. Through coordinated donor support, Midwest Food Bank helped move 360 pallets, equal to 15 truckloads, of baby food, supporting nourishment during critical stages of growth.
Additionally, Midwest Food Bank partnered with Rescuing Leftover Cuisine to move more than 450 pallets of shelf-stable fruit pouches, bars, and chews through the Midwest Food Bank network. This collaboration reduced food waste while extending care through trusted nonprofit partners.
“As I reflect on 2025, I am deeply grateful for the generosity of Midwest Food Bank’s donors, whose support allows us to serve communities facing food insecurity with compassion and dignity,” shared Brian Zink, Procurement Director.
That generosity translated into broader food options and stronger collaboration across locations.
“We expanded the products available to our nonprofit partners and continued to focus on nutritious options, including produce, protein, and dairy,” Zink noted. He also emphasized the steadfast dedication of staff and volunteers, whose faith-driven service continues to strengthen the mission.
Access to protein, produce, hydration, and essential nutrients plays an important role in health, recovery, and daily resilience. By cultivating donor relationships that prioritize these needs, Midwest Food Bank continues to share food that serves both body and spirit.
If you or your organization feel called to support nutrition-focused food relief, Midwest Food Bank welcomes partnerships that help restore strength and dignity to communities.
