Microwaves are quick, convenient, and often the most accessible way to prepare a warm meal. However, with a few simple adjustments, you can make your food taste fresher, heat more evenly, and even reduce waste. 1. Arrange food in a ring Place food in a circle on the plate, leaving the center empty. This encourages even cooking since microwaves heat...
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL Alan Hopkins Brings Leadership and Care to Serving Others For Alan, serving others is not just something he does. It is one of his core values and a God-given desire. Alan grew up on a farm in Northern Illinois, where his 89-year-old mother still lives. After a 38-year career in agriculture with Shell, DuPont, Pioneer, and Co...
At Midwest Food Bank, we are grateful for the generosity of our supporters. Together, we are sharing the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition and providing disaster relief. Together, we are truly helping millions of people every year. This year, we encourage our supporters to engage charitably and celebrate DAF Day with Midwest Foo...
We don't always get to meet the people we serve or hear real stories of their daily lives. Often, the food is delivered, the groceries are carried home, and life quietly continues. But behind every bag, every box, every meal is a family like the ODonnells, a family whose story helps us understand why giving matters so deeply. When we met this beaut...
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL Lory Sandberg Leads by Example in Bloomington For Lory, volunteering at Midwest Food Bank Bloomington began with a single Thrivent event in December 2018. What started as a holiday outing with her family has grown into a calling that continues to bless her and many others. After a 30-year career in social services, Lory retir...
BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL Pastor Shares the Impact of a Partnership with Midwest Food Bank 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 t...
This summer brought significant challenges with tornadoes in the Midwest and flooding in Texas and New Mexico.Midwest Food Bank responded by preparing and sending food boxes and hygiene kits as requested by our partner, The Salvation Army. After May's tornadoes, we moved 24 pallets of food and hydration supplies to St. Louis. Local distribution par...
On Friday, June 13, a full roster of 84 golfers gathered at The Den Golf Course for a day of fellowship and fun in support of Midwest Food Bank Normal. The four-man best ball format set the stage for friendly competition as teams played for top honors and enjoyed several hole contests. Overcast skies offered a welcome break from the summer heat, cr...
ARIZONA Staff Transitions at Midwest Food Bank Arizona Behind every family served by Midwest Food Bank Arizona, there's a network of people working quietly, diligently, and with purpose. In April, we welcomed Suzi Brownlee as our new part-time Bookkeeper and recognized and honored the retirement of Julie Cionci, whose impact started long ...
Nutritious eating doesn't have to mean expensive ingredients or complicated foods. With some simple strategies, it's easy to nourish your body with healthy, delicious meals. Here are ten ways to make it work—practices many of us at Midwest Food Bank use at home: 1. Plan Your Meals with Nutrition in Mind Start with what you have, then build meals th...
It can start with a Question: Why don't all kids have enough food? Maybe your child sees someone holding a sign, hears something at school, or simply wonders aloud during a quiet moment in the car. However it begins, the question opens a door—not just to understanding, but to compassion in action. As parents and caregivers, we don't need all the an...
All Aboard! What a great night surrounded by friends, church family, and food bank supporters for the 15th annual Anchored in Christ Gala. Wow, memories were made as we set sail to raise money to help those in need. With over 300 people in attendance, the room was full of energy, warmth, and a shared passion for making a difference. The silent auct...
Midwest Food Bank responded to multiple disaster-hit areas in 2025. Severe flooding devastated communities across Kentucky and Tennessee, displacing families and overwhelming local resources. In California, wildfires have devastated over 40,000 acres, destroyed thousands of homes, and displaced countless families. Midwest Food Bank sent essential s...
Each year, millions of pounds of edible food go unused. In 2024, Midwest Food Bank recovered more than 144 million pounds of surplus food, redirecting it from landfills to nonprofit partners serving families and individuals in need. This effort is outlined in the organization's latest Annual Impact Report, which also notes that $526 million worth o...
Corruption, Challenges, and Change We've all heard the stories. We've seen the headlines: Haiti—a nation struck by crisis after crisis, where poverty, political turmoil, and natural disasters seem relentless. But headlines rarely tell the full story. What is really happening in Haiti? Why have so many organizations left while others refuse to give ...
At Midwest Food Bank, working with integrity is a core value. Today, we are humbled to share that our efforts have been recognized through accreditation by the Evangelical Council for Financial Accountability (ECFA). This milestone reflects our dedication to transparency, accountability, and the ethical management of resources entrusted to us. ECFA...
Midwest Food Bank is excited to welcome Aaron Klopfenstein as the newest addition to our National Board of Directors. With a deep connection to our mission of sharing the love of Christ and a professional background that combines financial acumen and strategy, Aaron is uniquely poised to help lead Midwest Food Bank in its next chapter of growth. Bo...
Hurricane Helene tore through North Carolina's agricultural heartland, leaving farmers scrambling to sustain their livestock. In the wake of the hurricane, vast swathes of farmland have been rendered unusable, and local livestock producers face a grim reality: no feed for their cattle. Recognizing this urgent need, Midwest Food Bank has mobilized 6...
BLOOMINGTON Mike Swartz's Journey to Midwest Food Bank Leadership Meet Mike Swartz, the new Executive Director at Midwest Food Bank Bloomington, who joined the team on August 12. With over two decades of experience in nonprofit management, Mike brings a wealth of leadership and a heart for service. His previous role as Manager for the McLean County...
We often hear this question: "Why is all this food donated?" In 2023 alone, we distributed over $482 million worth of food. Midwest Food Bank partners with food producers, manufacturers, and distributors to save products. Sometimes, the food is something they can't sell. This may result from market challenges due to economic changes, shifting consu...
