MFB Directors meet

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, Illinois, Indiana, Pennsylvania, and Texas.

Each director shared some challenges and successes from their division. We discussed our four core programs, Food for Nonprofits, Tender Mercies, Disaster Relief, and Hope Packs. Central Team members shared information about food procurement, budgeting, our truck fleet, and inventory procedures.

Time was reserved for two very important resources, our volunteers and our nonprofit agency partners. Our volunteers are crucial to our operations. They fill many vital roles that would ordinarily be paid staff positions. Their dedication allows MFB to spend more resources on food procurement and distribution. Our agency partners have the privilege of placing the food into the hands of those who need it. Their love and compassion are inspirational.

Guest speakers included Ted Witzig, Apostolic Christian Counseling and Family Services, and Claire Crone, Sophia's Kitchen, one of our partner nonprofits. Ted talked about trauma response as it relates to people who receive help from our Disaster Relief program. Claire shared the origin story of Sophia's Kitchen and accounts of the people they serve.

Over the two days, there was time for meals together and getting to know one another more deeply while learning and encouraging each other. There were laughs, prayers, and tears. In the end, all returned to their location and role in MFB with new information, boosted morales, and the encouragement that comes from camaraderie and counsel.