ARIZONA
Two Midwest Food Bank Volunteers Earn Gilbert’s 2025 MVP Awards
Eric Sheldahl and Deb Taggart recognized for Bold Impact and Kindness
On an ordinary day in Gilbert, Arizona, two familiar faces—Eric Sheldahl and Deb Taggart—are giving of themselves to help others. In 2025, the Town of Gilbert chose to honor these two long-time volunteers from Midwest Food Bank as MVPs in their annual Volunteer Awards. Each year, the awards distinguish individuals who personify the town’s core values: Bold, Driven, Kind, and Humble. This year, Eric received the award for Bold/Impact, and Deb was honored for Kindness.
Eric: Bold Leadership and Lasting Impact
When Eric Sheldahl first said “yes” to founding a food bank in 2016, he had zero experience in nonprofit food logistics. But that wasn’t the point.
“If we can get food to God’s people, then we need to be doing it” says Eric.
From that leap of faith came the Arizona Division of Midwest Food Bank, which launched in March 2017 with 30 partner agencies. Today, Eric’s bold decision has scaled into a statewide food relief operation, distributing over $60 million in free food annually to more than 280 nonprofits.
Eric still shows up every single day. He doesn’t clock out after his title; he stays for the warehouse tours, for the volunteers with special needs who greet him with hugs, and for the mission that’s bigger than any one person. His passion is the fuel, but his innovative spirit—from forming community partnerships to recruiting tirelessly—is what earned him the MVP title for “Bold/Impact”.
Deb: Leading with Kindness
After retiring from Intel, Deb Taggart joined Midwest Food Bank through a 1-year volunteer fellowship. Her goal? Lead a project and serve 20 hours a week. She quickly expanded her role, supporting logistics, events, and volunteer management. Deb created a Volunteer Appreciation Program to ensure consistent recognition, organizing efforts like surprise gifts and a holiday t-shirt gift initiative.
With her infectious smile, Deb treated every volunteer with respect and created a welcoming environment. Her actions consistently reflect the town’s value of kindness.
“Deb makes you feel like the most important person in the room.” says Merilee Baptiste, Executive Director or Midwest Food Bank Arizona.
Deb’s kindness wasn’t a performance. It was—and is—how she leads, and how she makes Midwest Food Bank feel like home.
A Shared Commitment
Both Sheldahl and Taggart serve Midwest Food Bank in non-paid roles, dedicating time and effort well beyond standard expectations. Their work supports food distribution, community engagement, volunteer development, and organizational growth.
Learn More or Get Involved
Want to have community impact like Eric and Deb? Explore volunteer opportunities at Midwest Food Bank Arizona here.
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL
Volunteer Fair at Midwest Food Bank Inspires New Connections
On April 22, the Bloomington-Normal community showed up—and showed heart. More than 150 guests attended Midwest Food Bank’s Volunteer Fair, a vibrant open house designed to introduce new faces to the mission of fighting food insecurity.
Held at the Normal facility, the event invited individuals and families to experience the work of hunger relief firsthand. Guests toured the warehouse, spoke with long-time volunteers, learned about specific roles, and enjoyed lunch from local food trucks. From young adults seeking service hours to retirees looking for meaningful connections, the crowd reflected a shared desire to give back.
“The energy in the room was incredible,” said Donna Haas, Volunteer Coordinator. “We saw people asking thoughtful questions, sharing stories, and truly seeing how their time can have impact.”
The fair wasn’t just a meet-and-greet—it was a launching pad. Over 20 attendees scheduled follow-up visits to explore where they might fit in, from repacking stations to event support. For many, this was the first time they had seen the scope of the operation—how Midwest Food Bank distributes over 1.8 million pounds of food every month across the region.
Volunteers are at the heart of that work. They label and pack food, load trucks, organize events, and help maintain the pace and care that hundreds of community partners rely on. Events like this one serve to open the doors even wider.
“We’re grateful to everyone who came,” Haas added. “Our volunteers make this work possible. It’s exciting to welcome new people who want to serve.”
The strong turnout also speaks to a larger truth: as food insecurity continues to affect families across Illinois, more people are looking for ways to help—and for a place to belong while doing it.
Miss the fair? No problem. Volunteers are always welcome. Whether you’re ready to sign up or just curious to see the space, Midwest Food Bank is open for you.
Want to Join the Mission?
There’s always room for more hands—and hearts.
MORTON, IL
Volunteer Hours Made Meaningful: How to Serve Together This Summer in Morton
If you’re a high school or college student looking to complete required volunteer hours this summer, Midwest Food Bank Morton has a meaningful (and fun) way to get it done.
Whether you’re part of a club, team, or friend group, we make it easy to serve together—and walk away knowing your time made a difference.
- Many student clubs and honor societies require summer service hours.
- You’ve got more flexibility during break—and more time to spend with friends.
- Community need doesn’t take a summer vacation.
- Group volunteer sessions available (bring 6–8 friends for a private weekday shift).
- Public volunteer opportunities are open all summer.
- Work in a positive, hands-on environment.
- Every task directly supports our food distribution to local families.
- You’ll leave knowing you helped others in a real, tangible way.
- Bringing a group? Email [email protected] or call 309-291-0900 to book a private time.
- Looking to join a public shift? Sign up here
We hope to see you and your crew soon.
MORTON, IL
Volunteer Week at Midwest Food Bank Morton: A Celebration of Commitment, Community, and Care
At Midwest Food Bank’s Morton location, Volunteer Appreciation Week was more than a thank-you—it was a joyful, week-long celebration of the people who give their time to help feed others.
From April 22–26, the Morton team filled the halls with energy, gratitude, and giveaways. Any volunteer group who served that week had the chance to enter raffle drawings for a variety of locally donated prizes. Thanks to the generosity of area organizations like the Peoria Riverfront Museum, Peoria Playhouse, Peoria Chiefs, and Pine Lakes Golf Course, winners of all ages took home something special.
Throughout the week, volunteers were greeted with treats and a simple but heartfelt message: You matter here.
The celebration wrapped up on Fun Friday with a grilled lunch, sweet popcorn from Holland’s Caramelcorn, and donated ice cream from Carius Creamery. The gathering brought people together in a way that felt familiar—because for many, the volunteer community in Morton has become a second family.
“It feels like a family get-together every week,” said one long-time volunteer. “You work hard, you laugh, and you know you’re doing something that matters.”
And that impact goes far beyond the breakroom. Morton’s volunteers are at the heart of the food bank’s ability to respond quickly and consistently to food insecurity and disaster relief needs. Their dedication ensures that Midwest Food Bank can serve communities across Illinois and beyond with dignity and compassion.
As the week ended, there were full bellies and full hearts. But most of all, there was a renewed sense of connection—something that fuels the work long after the balloons come down.
To every person who has sorted, packed, lifted, or served in Morton: thank you. Your time is never just time. It’s hope delivered, one volunteer shift at a time.
NEW ENGLAND
Matt Parker Builds More Than a Wall at Midwest Food Bank
Volunteer Spotlight: Matt Parker Builds More Than a Wall at Midwest Food Bank
Walk into Midwest Food Bank’s New England location and you’ll notice a striking wood-paneled wall built from reclaimed pallets. It’s more than a visual feature—it’s the result of one volunteer’s creativity, leadership, and commitment.
Matt Parker, a high school sophomore from Tolland, has been volunteering at the food bank since seventh grade. His first visit came through a neighbor’s invitation on a free afternoon. “I loved the experience,” Matt says. “Everyone was positive and welcoming. I knew I wanted to come back.”
Since then, he’s done it all—loading out, repacking, inventory. So when it came time to choose his Eagle Scout project, Midwest Food Bank was the clear choice. Staff suggested a few options, but one stood out: building a custom pallet wall to enhance the space and create a welcoming focal point.
The project took shape over several months. Matt and his dad, Tom, spent winter weekends collecting pallets and testing designs. “We went through two versions before landing on the final structure,” Matt explains. “We wanted something useful—but also meaningful.”
Once the plan was set, Matt brought in fellow Scouts to help finish the build. They completed the wall over a series of workdays in April. For Matt, it was more than a construction project—it was a chance to bring people together and contribute something lasting.
“I’ve never seen anyone unhappy at the food bank,” he says. “It’s a place where everyone’s working toward the same goal.”
That spirit is now reflected in the wall itself—built by volunteers, for volunteers, and for the neighbors they serve.
Matt continues to stay busy with school, the swim team, robotics, and learning to play the guitar. But his commitment to service remains strong, and his work now welcomes every visitor who walks through the New England division’s doors.
We’re grateful for Matt’s generosity, vision, and the lasting impression he’s made on our space and our community.
