Volunteers a critical link at MFB

 Have you ever wondered what happens to the excess products at local grocery stores? Midwest Food Bank is fortunate to receive those quality excess products - bakery goods, dairy, produce and meat for example. That food is then given, free of charge, to food pantries throughout our region.

Six mornings a week MFB Bloomington-Normal volunteers drive to local grocery stores for pick-up. This arrangement helps local stores streamline their donation process. MFB's commitment to gathering these items requires volunteers willing to drive, load and sort that food.

Here's how volunteers help MFB with grocery store routes: 

• Drivers - Volunteers drive MFB box trucks on a route to collect food. A class C driver's license is required. Don't have that license designation? We can help you attain it! 

• Driver Assistants - Ride along with a driver and help load food into the truck.

• Sorters - Once the food arrives at the warehouse volunteers then sort the food and get it ready to give to food pantries.

All of these volunteer opportunities are during the morning hours - Monday through Saturday. Volunteers can select one or more mornings to volunteer. Not required, but a side benefit - have fun and glorify God! 

"These volunteers are a critical link between local stores and local pantries serving those in need," says Jeni Hanson, Operations Manager. 

For more information about this or other volunteer openings at MFB Bloomington-Normal, call 309-663-5350 .