Midwest Food Bank is pleased to welcome Rebecca Waggoner as Development Manager for the Peoria Division, bringing two decades of mission-driven nonprofit management experience to the team.
Rebecca joined Midwest Food Bank on July 20, 2026, and is based in the Peoria, Illinois, office. In her new role, she leads development, fundraising events, and donor relations efforts, helping strengthen the relationships that support Peoria hunger relief.
Her experience and personal commitment to community service have taught her something important: people have different ways to contribute to positive change. Rebecca sees part of her work as helping individuals find the path that fits them.
Meet the New Development Manager Supporting Peoria Hunger Relief
Rebecca comes to Midwest Food Bank with 20 years of mission-driven nonprofit management experience. At the center of that experience is a deep interest in people. She believes communities can accomplish meaningful things when individuals discover how their own skills, resources, and interests can contribute to a shared purpose.
That perspective connects naturally with Midwest Food Bank’s work with individuals, faith-based groups, corporations, agencies, volunteers, and other community partners. For Rebecca, Peoria hunger relief is both a community need and an opportunity for people to serve their neighbors together.
Her new responsibilities include two areas that depend heavily on strong relationships: fundraising events and donor relations. Through those efforts, she will work alongside the Midwest Food Bank Peoria team and volunteers to help engage people who want to participate in the organization’s mission.
Experience That Led Rebecca to Midwest Food Bank
Rebecca has seen firsthand how strategically addressing food insecurity internationally can affect people and communities. That experience helped shape her interest in joining Midwest Food Bank locally. She was drawn to an organization that brings many parts of a community together to help provide access to essential resources and address food insecurity.
Now, her focus is on serving alongside the Peoria Division team and its volunteers. She is especially interested in helping people recognize that participation can take many forms. Donors, volunteers, faith communities, businesses, and partner agencies each have opportunities to contribute.
That idea aligns with Midwest Food Bank’s broader engagement focus on helping people find practical ways to donate, volunteer, and participate in local community impact. Readers interested in learning more about the organization can explore Midwest Food Bank and its work serving communities.
Building Relationships Around Peoria Hunger Relief
Development work is ultimately relationship work. For Rebecca, that means connecting with people and helping them understand where they can participate. Her role will include cultivating donor relationships and leading fundraising events that bring supporters closer to the mission.
Those relationships are particularly important because people approach community service differently. Some people choose to give financially. Others contribute time. Businesses and groups may look for opportunities to serve together. Community agencies have their own roles in connecting resources with neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
Rebecca’s belief is simple: “everyone has something they can contribute.”
For those ready to explore service opportunities, Midwest Food Bank volunteers can find opportunities through the Golden Volunteer Opportunities portal.
Readers can also learn more about food insecurity nationally through Feeding America, which provides information and research about hunger in the United States.
Faith, Service, and a Love of Community
Rebecca’s commitment to people extends beyond her professional life.
Her faith is an important part of how she approaches life and service. One of her favorite Bible passages is Psalm 121:1-2:
“I lift up my eyes to the hills—where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Rebecca sees the passage as a reminder of where she finds security and guidance amid the many things competing for attention each day.
Nature is another important part of that connection. Rebecca finds that time in creation helps her reflect on God’s greatness, love, and care.
Welcoming Rebecca to Midwest Food Bank Peoria
She begins this new chapter with experience in nonprofit leadership, a strong commitment to relationships, and enthusiasm for serving alongside the people already supporting Midwest Food Bank.
As Development Manager, she will focus on fundraising events and donor relations while working with team members and volunteers serving neighbors facing food insecurity.
For people searching for ways to support Peoria hunger relief, her arrival is also a reminder that community involvement can take different forms. Giving, volunteering, partnering, and helping others learn about the mission all provide ways to participate.
Learn more about Midwest Food Bank’s mission, locations, and opportunities to get involved through Midwest Food Bank.
Please join us in welcoming Rebecca Waggoner to the Midwest Food Bank family and the Peoria Division.
