Midwest Food Bank New Hires and Leadership Spotlights

​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 Farm Bureau and the McLean County Fair prepared him for the complexities of leading large organizations while staying grounded in community values.

"I figured I would finish my career at Farm Bureau," Mike reflects, "but to my surprise, Midwest Food Bank called me to consider working here. It was clear that this was the ministry God lined up for me."

Mike is no stranger to dedication and community service. For 21 years, he managed the McLean County Fair, and for the last 14 years, he concurrently ran the Interstate Center. His pastimes, from mission trips and woodworking to camping and fishing with family, reflect his love for building and nurturing communities.

In his new role at Midwest Food Bank, Mike is most excited about the faith-based culture. "What I like best is the ability to openly pray and express the love of Christ through word and deed every day," he says. His vision is to lead with faith, ensuring that Midwest Food Bank continues to impact communities positively through service, ministry, and outreach.

"We are thankful to have Mike join the Midwest Food Bank family and leadership team," says Eric Hodel, CEO. "His broad community connections and years of experience equip him well to advance the Midwest Food Bank mission."

Mike's leadership style is deeply influenced by his personal faith and his experience working closely with families, farmers, and local communities. His background equips him to handle the challenges and opportunities that come with steering a nonprofit organization. His passion for mission work and his commitment to serving others make him a great fit for Midwest Food Bank's future.

Midwest Food Bank is excited to introduce LeAnn Fujimoto, our newest Volunteer Coordinator at the Bloomington location. With a career spanning 33 years in education, including 30 years as a middle school math and science teacher, LeAnn brings a wealth of experience in organization, teamwork, and service to her new role. She will work alongside Donna Haas to ensure that our volunteer projects are fully staffed and running smoothly.

LeAnn's journey with Midwest Food Bank began in the spring of 2020 when she came across a social media post calling for volunteers to help during the pandemic. With a heart for service, she jumped at the opportunity. Now, after several years of volunteering, she's thrilled to join the team full-time. "I'm excited to be part of the mission to provide nourishment for those who are food insecure as a way of sharing Christ's love," LeAnn says.

A native of Riverton, Illinois, LeAnn's love for teamwork and community goes back to her high school days. As a junior, she was part of Riverton High School's volleyball team, which went on to win the State Championship. Those friendships have endured for more than 40 years, and LeAnn still meets up with her volleyball teammates several times a year. This sense of camaraderie and long-lasting commitment is something she brings to her work at Midwest Food Bank.

"We are blessed to have LeAnn on our team," says Mike Swartz, Executive Director. "Her passion for helping others, paired with her leadership and organizational skills, will be invaluable."

When LeAnn isn't coordinating volunteers at Midwest Food Bank, she enjoys spending time with her family, which includes her husband, Jon-Eric, and their three children: Jessica, Doug (married to Nikky), and Josh. Their family also includes a schnauzer named Ozzie. LeAnn loves spending time outdoors, especially kayaking, and she's an avid St. Louis Cardinals fan. Her energy, enthusiasm, and deep commitment to both family and community service are qualities we know will greatly benefit our mission.

LeAnn Fujimoto is already making a significant impact at Midwest Food Bank, and we're excited to see how she will enhance our work. If you're inspired by her story, consider joining us as a volunteer.

We're honored to have Dr. James Nyamu as a dedicated board member of Midwest Food Bank (Kapu Africa). As a lecturer at Tharaka Nithi University, Dr. Nyamu combines his academic expertise with a passion for service, leading efforts to provide critical food aid to some of the most underserved areas in Kenya.

Recently, Dr. Nyamu spearheaded the university's partnership with Kapu Africa. Through this collaboration, they successfully delivered essential food supplies—Tender Mercies and Unimix porridge—to five schools in Tharaka Nithi County. These schools serve children who face significant challenges, including malnutrition, physical health issues, and mental health struggles due to food insecurity. The food donations not only meet immediate nutritional needs but also support the long-term health and academic success of students in these communities.

This partnership has been pivotal in addressing hunger in a region where many families struggle to provide daily meals. By ensuring that students receive proper nutrition, Dr. Nyamu and Kapu Africa are fostering hope for a brighter future in these remote communities.

At Kapu Africa, we are grateful for individuals like Dr. Nyamu, who give selflessly to make a difference. His work ensures that our mission to share the love of Christ and alleviate hunger continues to reach those most in need.

Your support can provide nutritious meals to children in need. Donate today to help us continue this life-changing work!

Watch this video to learn more.