Together for Change: Midwest Food Bank’s Community Partnerships

Midwest Food Bank Arizona was abuzz with activity on October 8 as AgWest Farm Credit employees joined forces to assemble hygiene kits for disaster relief. In addition to their hands-on contributions, AgWest made a $6,000 donation, reinforcing their commitment to supporting communities in need.

"Our team is deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve," said Michelle Paul, Vice President Marketing Advising of AgWest Farm Credit. "Partnering with Midwest Food Bank allows us to directly impact families and individuals who rely on these essential resources."

A History of Community Commitment

AgWest Farm Credit was formed in January 2023 through the merger of Farm Credit West and Northwest Farm Credit Services. The organization has a long-standing tradition of supporting rural communities and promoting agricultural sustainability. Over the years, their employees have donated thousands of volunteer hours to community projects, including previous partnerships with Midwest Food Bank Arizona.

"Giving back to the people and organizations that help our communities thrive is one of our core values," AgWest emphasizes on its website. Their commitment to service goes beyond financial donations, fostering a culture of active participation and engagement.

Why Hygiene Kits Matter

The hygiene kits assembled by AgWest employees play a vital role in disaster relief. Each kit contains essential items like soap, toothbrushes, and other personal hygiene products, offering a sense of dignity and care to those affected by emergencies. These kits are distributed to individuals and families facing unexpected crises, ensuring their basic needs are met during challenging times.

"Corporate partners like AgWest Farm Credit make it possible for us to reach more people with life-saving supplies," said Merilee Baptiste, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Arizona.

AgWest's efforts remind us that impactful change happens when communities and businesses come together. Whether it'sthrough financial contributions, volunteering, or simply spreading awareness, there are countless ways to support Midwest Food Bank Arizona.

Midwest Food Bank Florida has introduced a new monthly food distribution in Immokalee, FL. Initially delayed by October's hurricanes, the first distribution took place in November, thanks to the collaborative efforts of The Immokalee Foundation, the Community Coop, and Immokalee High School, which hosted the event.

Immokalee, one of the poorest communities in the U.S., faces significant food insecurity. John McKinnon of Midwest Food Bank emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, "The newly launched Immokalee Distribution is a major advancement in Midwest Food Bank's efforts to provide consistent and reliable food support to those in need across Southwest Florida."

This distribution is planned as a regular event on the second Thursday of every month. For more information on how to volunteer or support this effort, visit Midwest Food Bank Florida.