New division of MFB opening in Phoenix, AZ

Midwest Food Bank is expanding to the southwest with plans to open a food bank in the Phoenix area. A 25,800-square-foot building has been purchased in Gilbert, Ariz., said David Kieser, food bank president and CEO.

MFB has considered expansion into Arizona for several years. The Phoenix area location is MFB's eighth site. It should begin providing services in December, said Eric Sheldahl of Chandler, Ariz., who is the new division's director.

Eric and his wife like to support ministries where the rubber meets the road. He was a real estate developer who relocated to Arizona several years ago. "Virtually everything that you contribute to Midwest Food Bank goes into the ministry," says Eric. "This is a pure ministry and I wanted to be a part of it."

David and Eric talked and concluded that a location in the Phoenix area could help meet needs of area residents, including members of the Navajo Nation. "There are four million-plus people here and I believe this area is very underserved," Eric says.

"The need is there and the volunteers are there," added David. "The good man upstairs is in charge and we continue to expect great things."