Midwest Food Bank’s Nonprofit Collaborations Transform Lives

The following is a note we received from Willie D. Shears, Pastor, God’s Divine Glory Ministry

As a pastor, I’ve always been deeply committed to helping those in need. Our Outreach Ministry and food pantry have been powerful ways for us to make a difference in the lives of others. Located in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, we have the privilege of serving a wonderfully diverse community.

Our dedicated team of volunteers brings passion and care to everything they do. Their service allows us to support many families, offering not only food and essentials but also compassion and encouragement during challenging times.

Midwest Food Bank has played a vital role in helping our food pantry become a trusted resource in the community. Thanks to their support, we’ve not only been able to meet the physical needs of families, but we’ve also seen a deeper connection form. Many families now join us for church services on food pantry days, building both spiritual and community bonds.

The Russell family, two parents and their seven children, came to us during a time of great need. They were facing serious hardships and struggling to keep food on the table. Thanks to consistent prayer, the dedication of our amazing volunteers, and the support of our food pantry, the Russell family has experienced a meaningful turnaround. Not only have their physical needs been met, but they’ve also become an active part of our church community. Their story is a beautiful example of how care, faith, and community support can bring lasting change.

We are truly grateful to be partnering with Midwest Food Bank.

Many thanks,
Willie D. Shears, Pastor
Pastor, God’s Divine Glory Ministry

Midwest Food Bank Indiana was honored to welcome team members from FOX 59 and CBS 4 for their Founder’s Day of Caring.

The teams rolled up their sleeves and helped with a cereal repackaging project, a hands-on effort that will directly serve food-insecure Hoosiers across the state. Their dedication and energy made it possible to prepare thousands of servings of cereal for families in need.

This impactful partnership reflects a shared commitment to community service and a desire to make a tangible difference. We are grateful for their time, teamwork, and willingness to serve.

We are proud to collaborate with local media teams who care deeply about the communities they serve. Their efforts are helping us multiply blessings and provide food and hope to families across Indiana.

Midwest Food Bank Indiana extends heartfelt thanks to Kroger and the Johnson County Police Department for their partnership in this year’s Pack the Cruisers event.

Held in support of our agency partners serving Johnson County, the initiative brought the community together to collect much-needed food and essential items for local families.

Thanks to the generosity of Kroger shoppers and the dedication of Johnson County officers who helped “pack the cruisers,” this effort made a meaningful impact in the fight against food insecurity.

We are proud to stand alongside community partners like Kroger and the Johnson County Police Department. Together, we continue to serve our neighbors with food, care, and compassion.

Call to Action

Partnerships like this remind us what we can achieve together. Join us in serving families across Indiana today. [Get involved]

Midwest Food Bank New England recently received a gift that is already making a big difference in our daily operations. The gift was a hand-operated plastic baler.

Thanks to this generous donation, we can now recycle the large amounts of plastic that come through our facility. Instead of filling our dumpster with waste, our trained volunteers compress and bale the plastic for recycling.

This new process not only helps us reduce our environmental impact but also creates an unexpected blessing. Each pallet of baled plastic generates about $10, giving us a small but steady fundraising source to help feed more families.

What once would have been discarded is now being used to serve others. Volunteers have quickly learned to operate the baler, adding a meaningful task to their service while helping us build a more sustainable future.

This gift reminds us that sometimes the simplest tools can have the biggest impact. It turns waste into resources and care for our neighbors.

Since opening in late 2020, Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania has been blessed by the faithful involvement of AP Williams Construction. From day one, they’ve been more than a sponsor, they’ve been an active partner in the fight against food insecurity.

They have served as the presenting sponsor of our annual golf tournament since its start, joined our events, and regularly volunteered in our warehouse. Leaders like Bobbie Van Buskirk, Director of Business Development, help plan signature events such as MidFest and Baubles for Backpacks, while owner Drew Williams recently joined our Advisory Board.

“When I first learned about who and what Midwest Food Bank was all about, I knew we had to get involved,” Drew shares. “Many of us take for granted consistent access to food, however there is a growing population of our neighbors who face a different reality and are dealing with food insecurity on a daily basis. Midwest and their extended group of partners, volunteers and donors does incredible work to address these needs in our local and regional communities.”

AP Williams shows how businesses can extend their influence far beyond their industry. Their leadership, volunteer hours, and sponsorship not only bless our organization but inspire others to serve.

By combining financial support with hands-on action, they help ensure thousands of families across Pennsylvania have the food they need, whether through everyday distribution or emergency relief.

Your group, business, or organization can join this mission. Partner with Midwest Food Bank and be part of a growing community impact story. Contact Sarah Brannan at [email protected] to get started.

This week, the community of Rumuruti in Laikipia County witnessed a gathering shaped by mercy, faith, and practical support. The need for food remains urgent in this part of Kenya, where frequent droughts and economic uncertainty place many households at risk. Responding to this call, Midwest Food Bank Kenya, with steadfast partners, delivered food relief to residents.

What Happened, Where, and Who Was Involved?

• Location: Rumuruti, Laikipia County, Kenya
• When: This week (July 2025)
• Who: Midwest Food Bank Kenya, Hope Citadel Foundation, Ridgeways Baptist Church, Spread Truth Africa, volunteers including Wilfred Ouma and Godwin Edwin Matswa, and many community residents.

Food Relief and Beyond: Layers of Compassion

The day began with the distribution of essential food staples that bring nourishment to families. Alongside the food relief, Hope Citadel Foundation organized a medical camp, offering free check-ups and medication to anyone in need. Such access to healthcare is rare in rural Laikipia, making these services vital to the well-being of children, elders, and parents alike.

Ridgeways Baptist Church led biblical training and gospel outreach, opening a space for prayer, worship, and conversations about faith.

Spread Truth Africa added another dimension, inviting youth and families to sports activities—reminding all that service also means creating joy, connection, and new friendships.

One Volunteer’s Role

Wilfred Ouma, a dedicated volunteer, served as translator, bridging language gaps so every message could be clearly received. The unity of the volunteers was seen not in words, but in the acts of kindness: guiding people through food lines, praying with those seeking comfort, and supporting children at the sports field.

The Power of Partnership

What made this outreach unique was the collaboration between multiple groups, each bringing a different strength. Hope Citadel Foundation’s medical expertise, Ridgeways Baptist Church’s spiritual guidance, Spread Truth Africa’s creative youth engagement, and the practical food distribution of Midwest Food Bank East Africa, all demonstrating what happens when the body of Christ serves as one.

Invitation to Serve

Your support helps bring food, healing, and hope to communities like Rumuruti. Join us in making a lasting difference. Give here.

When Midwest Food Bank’s Chief Operating Officer, Pat Burke, visited Kenya for the first time, he was joined by Advisory Board President Joe Koch. They traveled to Nairobi on May 23, 2025, to meet with partners and see Midwest Food Bank’s work in East Africa.

The visit included a stop at International Christian Assemblies, a ministry agency based in Kibera—the second largest slum in Kenya. Midwest Food Bank supports programs in the region, including food relief for families and school feeding for children in informal settlements.