Midwest Food Bank’s long-standing food distribution metric has increased from $30 to $35 for every $1 donated.
For years, Midwest Food Bank consistently averaged $30 in food relief for every dollar contributed. That number became an important way to measure stewardship, efficiency, and the organization’s ability to move donated food into communities through low operational costs and volunteer support.
Large corporations donate significant quantities of food and grocery products to Midwest Food Bank each year. Many of those products are still safe, usable, and valuable but can no longer be sold through traditional retail channels. Instead of going to waste, those items are redirected to nonprofit partners, churches, schools, disaster relief organizations, and families in need.
Behind those donations is the ongoing work of Midwest Food Bank’s procurement team. By building strong relationships with manufacturers, retailers, distributors, and corporate partners, the team helps secure consistent product donations while continuing to identify new opportunities to rescue food that might otherwise be discarded.
That steady flow of donated product creates the foundation for Midwest Food Bank’s distribution model and allows financial contributions to stretch significantly further than traditional retail purchasing.
Across Midwest Food Bank locations, volunteers sort products, inspect donations, repack food, prepare pallets, and help distribute resources efficiently. Their service helps keep operational costs low while allowing more donated food to move into communities.
Last year alone, Midwest Food Bank distributed approximately $548 million in food relief.
Because so much food is donated, financial contributions primarily help cover transportation, warehousing, and operational support needed to move those products where they are needed most. That combination of donated product, volunteer labor, and efficient operations allows every dollar to stretch far beyond normal retail purchasing power.
What Changed Behind the New $35 Metric
Following the completion of the 2025 audit, Midwest Food Bank’s long-standing metric increased. The organization now distributes an average of $35 in food relief for every $1 donated.
The calculation compares the value of food distributed to cash expenses and is based on a three-year average to help ensure the metric reflects sustainable operations over time.
What changed was not a single event or program. The increase reflects years of continued operational efficiency, growing food rescue partnerships, strong volunteer involvement, and the ability to distribute larger volumes of donated products responsibly and consistently.
The Story of Multiplication Continues Through Service
For many supporters, the increase also carries spiritual meaning. In Scripture, we read stories of food being multiplied, a story told in all four Gospels. At Midwest Food Bank, because of volunteers, efficient operations, and the willingness to rescue food that would otherwise go to waste, every donated dollar helps provide more food than could typically be purchased at a store.
After completing the 2025 audit and reflecting on the growth of the mission, many within the organization view the updated metric as a blessing from God and a testimony to the people who continue serving faithfully each day.
The increase from $30 to $35 represents more than a number. It reflects the volunteers, donors, food partners, procurement teams, and staff who continue working together to move food into communities across the country and around the world.
Help Continue the Work
As Midwest Food Bank celebrates this updated milestone, the organization also celebrates the people behind it.
Every volunteer shift helps extend the reach of food relief further into communities. Every rescued load helps supply nonprofit partners serving families and individuals facing hardship.
Those interested in serving can learn more about volunteer and donation opportunities through their local Midwest Food Bank division.
Visit midwestfoodbank.org/volunteer or midwestfoodbank.org/donate
