When Whitney Creath lifts a heavy box during food distribution days, she knows she is lightening the load for a family. She knows because, as a teenager, her family relied on food banks, Ramen noodles, and peanut butter and jelly for some difficult years."I remember thinking, 'when I grow up, I want to be an adult that helps make things better...
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...
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...
Midwest Food Bank has hired Audrey Kamm as Executive Director of our Peoria, IL, location. She will assume the role on February 1. Audrey is replacing long-time Director Monica Scheuer, who is retiring at the end of this month. Audrey most recently served as the Vice President of Operations for the Peoria Area Chamber of Commerce. There, she manage...
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...
A series of events in 2019 and the following year led Roberta White to the Cuba Food Pantry. Her husband lost his job, a death in the family, and her cancer diagnosis."The whole year was about medical, and it took a lot of gas to go to appointments and radiation daily for a month," says Roberta.Her family's food assistance from the food pantry at t...
Students at Limestone High School in Bartonville have a group of Moms they can count on. Those women are a group called Moms Who Care, and they make sure students have access to basic needs, including healthy snacks. That's where Midwest Food Bank Peoria comes into the picture. Moms Who Care is one of the many nonprofits that receive food, without ...
When it comes to conversation, Dominica Rogers can span topics from geological forces to counted cross-stitch.That gift makes her a perfect fit for her Community Relations and Volunteer Manager position at Midwest Food Bank Peoria. She joined the staff in August."Dominica brings much community and volunteer relations experience, and she is looking ...
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 ...
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...
Midwest Food Bank Values include Embrace Our Communities and Empowering Volunteers. One of the ways we do this is by providing clean, efficient, safe, and comfortable gathering places. At MFB, we work hard to maintain clean, inviting warehouses. To keep them well maintained and organized, we have standards, prioritize investment, and have safety co...
Across all 2,200 partner agencies served by all 12 MFB locations, it is clear that every agency serves its own unique population of people in need. But one thing that most agencies have in common is the current rise in the need for food. Our partner agencies are experiencing a 25% increase in demand for their services. Our rural pantries are n...
While food insecurity is rapidly rising, the world is expected to waste 2.1 million tons of food annually by 2030, according to Yale research. In the United States alone, $408 billion was spent on food in 2021 that was never eaten. That's nearly a quarter of US food going to waste instead of to those who need it. On Tuesday, July 12, 2022, Mid...
Tender Mercies meals are designed by dieticians to be more than a rice and beans meal. There is nutrition in every bag. Every serving of Tender Mercies has: • The calcium of one glass of milk• The iron of two and a half cups of spinach.• The potassium of two bananas.• The protein of 3 ounces of fish. With such a nutritious product, MFB wondere...
Sometimes things go full circle. For Alisa Robb, it happened with Froot Loops. Alisa heard about Midwest Food Bank and volunteer opportunities through friends. So, when she retired after 30 years as an occupational therapy assistant she started volunteering at MFB Peoria doing packing projects. Often MFB receives food in bulk amounts and volu...
When people think about donating to Midwest Food Bank, they often think of the three Cs: Cash, Check, Credit card. While these three are very common, there are many ways to make a contribution to MFB. We understand our donors appreciate the opportunity to give in a variety of ways. To make it easy for donors, MFB has assembled instructions and insi...