United for a Cause: Celebrating Our Community Collaborations

Located in Fort Myers, FL, the Word of Life Food Pantry serves the communities of Fort Myers, Cape Coral, and Lehigh. Open several days a week, the pantry addresses the needs of 150 to 200 individuals, including their families, impacting nearly 7,000 people monthly. The pantry empowers individuals by allowing them to select their own groceries, reflecting a commitment to dignity and respect in assistance.

The pantry's team, consisting of 17 volunteers and three paid staff, is driven by a mission to demonstrate the love of Jesus through their service. Brandalynn Lewis, the director, notes, "Life is hard enough without struggling for food," emphasizing the pantry's role in reducing food insecurity and fostering a supportive community atmosphere.

Their efforts are highlighted by personal stories of transformation and gratitude, such as a Spanish-speaking client who introduced Lewis (who felt like a celebrity) to her family in a local store, expressing her heartfelt thanks. This moment underscores the profound personal impact of the pantry's work.

Moreover, the pantry benefits from a strong partnership with Midwest Food Bank. During a critical time when their box truck broke down, Midwest Food Bank promptly supplied a replacement, ensuring the pantry's operations continued seamlessly. "We wouldn't be able to feed the community without them," confirms a pantry spokesperson, underscoring the essential support Midwest Food Bank provides.

Scot Buss, Midwest Food Bank's Marketing and Development Manager, highlights the mutual benefits of this collaboration: "This partnership not only strengthens our efforts but embodies our shared commitment to caring for those in need."

The New London Area Food Pantry marked a significant milestone on June 11th by celebrating the grand opening of its new location at the VFW in New London. This move represents a physical change and a renewed commitment to providing dignified and accessible food assistance to the community.

With its bright and airy first-floor location, the food pantry has transformed the experience for its guests, who previously had to navigate a basement for over thirty years. The new space ensures a more respectful and comfortable environment for everyone involved.

A Growing Need Met with Compassion

In the past year, the New London Area Food Pantry has seen a remarkable 133% increase in service, now assisting 280 guests each week. This growth highlights the escalating need for food assistance in the community, which the pantry is determined to meet head-on. The goal for 2024 is ambitious yet achievable: sharing 346,044 meals with those in need.

Client Choice: A Model of Dignity

The pantry's new location allows for the implementation of a Client Choice model, which enhances the dignity and autonomy of those seeking assistance. This model lets guests select their food items according to their preferences and dietary needs, akin to shopping in a grocery store.

The Power of Partnerships

Key to the pantry's success is its partnership with Midwest Food Bank. This collaboration has been instrumental in scaling operations to meet the growing demands of the community. "Partnering with Midwest Food Bank means we are able to scale to meet our community needs," says Scott Ramsay, President of the New London Area Food Pantry.

The New London Area Food Pantry's new location at the VFW marks a new chapter in its mission to fight hunger with dignity and compassion. The significant increase in service, the introduction of the Client Choice model, and the power of partnerships underscore the pantry's commitment to its community. "We are grateful to work with a caring partner who diligently brings hope to their community through sharing food," says Jan Young, Executive Director at Midwest Food Bank New England.

In Womelsdorf, PA, the Bridge of Hope Church stands as a vital partner in our mission to alleviate hunger. Each week, brothers Dale and John Longenecker, dedicated volunteers at the church, visit our Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania warehouse. They fill their box truck with food and supplies, ensuring their community receives the assistance they need.

John Longenecker shared the impact of this partnership: "Because of Midwest Food Bank, we have been able to double the number of people served through our outreach programs in our local community. We've even extended our food distribution into Reading City, assisting 65 city families. Beyond the food, we invite our guests to join us at church. Many have started attending, given their lives to Christ, and now invite their friends to join. It's been a tremendous blessing to share the love of Christ through our food ministry."

At MFB Pennsylvania, we are deeply grateful for partners like The Bridge of Hope. They meet the physical needs of their community while also offering a sense of belonging and sharing the hope found in Christ.

Pictured: John Longenecker and Rick Thomson, volunteers at Bridge of Hope, picking up their weekly food order at Midwest Food Bank

We extend our deepest gratitude to the Arby's Foundation for their recent $7,000 grant. This generous support will help Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania provide food for hungry children in our community. Midwest Food Bank distributes food directly to children in need through numerous partners.

Organizations like CHOP (NE PA), Nutripacks (Central Dauphin SD), and Cocoa Packs (Hershey) provide weekend food packs. Many others, such as Paw Packs in Big Spring SD, have extended their school-year food assistance into the summer. Programs like Center for Champions in Harrisburg and Medard's House in Cumberland County include meals in their afterschool and summer activities.

"Last year's partner survey revealed that 37% of the people who received food from Midwest Food Bank were children—that's 123,000 children, to be exact," said Kathy Anderson-Martin, Executive Director. That's why support from the Arby's Foundation is so needed and appreciated."

Steve Baker from the Arby's Foundation shared, "We are thrilled to connect Arby's with Midwest Food Bank. This partnership supports a wonderful organization that aligns with our company values. We aim to make a difference within our local communities and are excited to support those in need in our own backyard."

In addition to the grant, Arby's employees have also volunteered their time at our warehouse. Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania is grateful to the Arby's Foundation and their team members for supporting our work in so many ways.