Helping MFB New England by driving a semi

Dan Bahler enjoys driving a semi. It's a skill he learned in the 1980s and has trained many drivers since then. On a 5th-generation family dairy farm in Ellington, he honed his driving skills. Now, he's doing something he enjoys while benefiting those in need by driving for Midwest Food Bank New England.

"After my first ride with Dan, I have a new sense of appreciation for the focus and skill set required to maneuver such a long rig safely," says Jan Young, Executive Director of MFB New England. "Dan is a professional, and we are so grateful for his interest in helping us get rolling."

In 2017, Dan contacted a family member who works at Midwest Food Bank in Normal, IL to learn about volunteer opportunities. MFB New England was not opened at that time. He and his wife, Carole, took their first load from Bloomington to MFB Florida, in February of 2018.

"The next year, we met a group and a semi from Midwest Food Bank in New York City right before Thanksgiving," says Dan. "I volunteered to drive through the narrow streets in Brooklyn to where we were distributing food."

Most recently, Dan is taking loads from MFB Bloomington and MFB Pennsylvania to MFB New England. He plans to drive regularly.

"Working with all the people involved in MFB has been a wonderful experience," says Dan. "I love driving, and I am happy to give my time to 'share the blessings.'"

MFB New England is currently seeking additional CDL A drivers. Please call MFB New England at 860.783.1820 to learn more.