Perceptions and reality don't always match up. You might be surprised to learn that 53% of food-insecure people work full-time.So, the suggestion "Why don't they just get a job?" falls flat for more than half the people choosing between putting gas in their car, paying a utility bill, or going to the grocery store.The USDA defines food insecurity a...
Keep or pitch? That's the question everyone faces when cleaning out a refrigerator or a pantry. The date on the product is usually the determining factor if it stays or goes. But those dates are one of the biggest reasons that 30-40 percent of food in the United States is thrown away even though it is still safe to consume. The dates printed ...
MFB began a partnership with Amazon as a food donor in 2020. Since then, Amazon has provided loads of product across the MFB footprint and is a valued food donor for the organization. Some divisions have picked up Amazon Fresh regular loads - a tremendous source of nutritious and fresh food. That partnership continues to grow and expand in exciting...
The options at a vending machine in Gilbert during the holiday season didn't include snacks or soft drinks. Instead, selections included hygiene kits, meals, or disaster relief boxes. It's a unique concept of "give instead of get" at these mobile vending machines. The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints operates these red mobile machines as...
For the past five years, Rick Duley has been a dedicated warehouse volunteer for Midwest Food Bank Arizona. That experience will come in handy for MFB. He joined the staff as the Warehouse Coordinator in March."Rick has a positive demeanor, a strong focus on safety, and takes time to listen to volunteers and agencies," says Merilee Baptiste, Execut...
Midwest Food Bank values our donors, and we make effective use of every gift with integrity. We frequently receive questions about various ways to give to MFB, and one mechanism – IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution - is a way that benefits donors and MFB. Making an IRA Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD) You can donate up to $100,000 in...
How Melanie Tennell became the new Marketing Director at MFB is a "God story." She felt a little unsettled in her previous position at Pekin Insurance when her former boss Jackie reached out to her. Jackie connected Melanie with her acquaintance, Jada Hoerr, MFB Chief Resource Officer. "God's timing prevails," says Melanie. "Every. Single. Tim...
When Midwest Food Bank opens a new location, one of the first tasks is finding and equipping volunteers. When MFB Arizona was established in 2016, Linda Siggins was the person that took on that role. While she left MFB for a time, we are grateful she has returned as the Volunteer Coordinator this year. "Linda has a warm smile and a heart...
Have you ever wondered what a nonprofit board does? Like all nonprofits, Midwest Food Bank is governed by a board of Directors. These twelve volunteers provide strategic and financial oversight for the organization. Additionally, each of the twelve MFB locations has an advisory board. While the employees lead the daily operations, the board pl...
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. I Thessalonians 5:11 On November 30 and December 1, Midwest Food Bank Directors for all US location met in Morton, IL, for two days of encouragement, fellowship, and support. This included directors from Arizona, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Il...
Big or small - businesses have found a way to support Midwest Food Bank. From a coffee shop to a grocery store chain to a heavy equipment manufacturer, they've all found ways to contribute to our mission. Their support comes in a variety of ways as they create a culture of giving. Here are a few ways they impact nonprofits. 1. Grants - Some busines...
From manufacturing to healthcare to Midwest Food Bank, Temple Roe has a professional path that will be an asset to MFB. She joined the MFB staff as Human Resources Director this fall. "I'm thrilled to have found my way into a non-profit that provides to so many families and communities in need," says Temple. As the HR Director for Midwest Food...
When people visit Midwest Food Bank for the first time they often are surprised by the amount of food MFB gathers and then gives to nonprofits.That was the case for Congressman Andy Biggs when he visited MFB Arizona. "Throughout his visit Congressman Biggs was exposed to the tremendous volume of food given out every month," says Q Nielsen, Operatio...
Family and helping others by volunteering are a couple of life highlights for Amy Hahn. She left a job in the corporate world to raise her children, and once they were both in school, she looked for ways to volunteer.Amy found her way to Midwest Food Bank Arizona, and for the past couple of years, she has been volunteering as a bookkeeper. She has ...
The transition from working life to retirement is a big life event. When that time was approaching for Jack Cone he decided to take advantage of a program offered by his employer. Jack worked for 35 years for Intel Corporation with an emphasis in lithography and a specialty in optics. He decided to take advantage of a Fellowship Program offered by ...
Midwest Food Bank has five values that are based on the fruit of the Spirit found in Galatians 5:22-23. Our facilities are intentionally designed so we can embrace our community, with kitchens, Conference Rooms, and project space in our warehouses. Here is a look at what "Embracing Our Communities" means to MFB. MFB's mission&nb...
Before a disaster hits, Midwest Food Bank is ready. Being ready means providing what is needed for that particular disaster because flooding, wildfires, hurricanes, and tornadoes differ. But the common denominator is the people in the middle of those disasters. Mike Hoffman, director of inventory and logistics for MFB, says helping people through t...
Two category 4 hurricanes hitting the United States within two weeks created an opportunity for Midwest Food Bank to share God's love. Our partnership with The Salvation Army allows us to offer help early and often. Loads of family food boxes, hygiene kits and cleaning supplies were sent to victims of both Harvey (Texas) and Irma (Florida). In all ...
"A lot of experiences along the way" is how a nonprofit called My Contagious Generosity started in 2011.The story starts like this - Marie Kayser always felt a nudge to help people who lost everything to a natural disaster. She thought about having a place to collect water, food, and hygiene items. With her husband's background in distribution and ...
Midwest Food Bank began an organization-wide focus on safety in 2021. Rather than being a one-time effort, this initiative is ongoing with specific goals. It was an opportunity to evaluate and strengthen safety measures already in place. Mike Hoffman, MBF's Inventory and Logistics Director, leads the safety initiative. "Providing a safe work e...
