Thanks to all who made Taste and Tour 2021 a success

The three Central Illinois locations of Midwest Food Bank enjoyed the opportunity to share our mission with the community while raising funds. Taste and Tour is just what it sounds like: a great Taste-ing meal after a Tour of MFB. Taste and Tour 2021 was held on August 21 at the Bloomington-Normal, Morton, and Peoria MFB locations.

Between 4 and 7 p.m., 275 vehicles drove through one of these warehouses for the family-friendly tour. Attendees learned how donated dollars support MFB's four core programs: Food for Nonprofits, Disaster Relief, Tender Mercies, and Hope Packs. Children (and young-at-heart adults) were given an activity booklet and play money at the beginning of the tour. They were able to "purchase" food for their cart along the way by donating to each program. People learned how MFB multiplies the power of your donated dollar.

At the end of the tour, delicious boxed meals were presented. Grace Catering prepared maple-glazed pulled pork sandwiches on apple butter aioli, four-cheese mac and cheese, broccoli-cauliflower salad, fresh fruit, and raspberry lemonade. Generous volunteers provided dessert: delicious homemade pie. People were also able to sample nachos made with MFB's rice and beans meal, Tender Mercies. Between the three locations, 1,000 meals were served.

An event like this doesn't happen in a vacuum. Midwest Food Bank would like to thank the many business sponsors who underwrote the cost of Taste and Tour 2021. On August 21 and the days leading up to the event, an army of volunteers worked to make it all happen. We offer a heartfelt "Thank you" to all.