There are 19 different countries in East Africa and the statistics tell a story of the continued struggle with malnutrition and food insecurity. Over 22 million people living in East Africa are affected by food insecurity. The World Food Programme reports that in Kenya alone, 35.6% of people live on less than $1.90 per day. Records also show t...
To serve nonprofit partners in Central Florida, Midwest Food Bank Florida recently held a remote distribution there. On May 5, volunteers gathered in Lakeland, FL, to fill the vehicles of area partner agencies with food. Ken White, MFB Florida Community Relations Manager, worked with Lakes Church to secure their location as a distri...
Fixing and helping - that's how Randy Maestre is putting "love your neighbor" into action. Randy is the owner of Christian Brothers Automotive in Gilbert and a supporter of Midwest Food Bank Arizona. He organizes groups to come to MFB to volunteer and also uses his business in a unique way to build awareness for MFB and gather donations. His "DipJa...
We've all felt the pinch of rising food and gas prices. But for people who fall into the category of "food insecure," those prices create a budget where the math can't add up. It's not just a hunch that prices are rising. The Consumer Price Index shows an 8.8% increase in food prices in March 2022, the most significant 12-month advance since May 19...
There's a big machine in the Morton warehouse of Midwest Food Bank that produces nutritious meals - 10 million servings since 2013, to be exact. But it's the people around the machine that make it all happen. The machine packages Tender Mercies - a low-cost (20 cents per serving) and highly nutritious meal that includes rice, beans, protein, season...
The numbers say Midwest Food Bank gave about $430 million worth of food at no cost to about 2,100 food partners in the U.S. and around the world in 2021. That $430 million number represents the food those food partners receive from MFB - at no cost. That's a big deal as it allows them to use their money in other areas of their ministries - like fue...
Joseph is Executive Director of Clinical Operations at Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas and will celebrate 15 years at BCBSTX in May. He's a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Case Manager, and has spent the past 15 years in the Care Management Clinical Operations area. Joseph is a triplet (all 3 boys), and has two older si...
A car drove around Waterbury Worship Center Church a few times. It was a day when food was being distributed for free, and volunteer Ruth Ann Barrett noticed the car. That's when she looked for an opportunity to approach the driver and have a conversation. The volunteer team at Waterbury Worship Center built a bridge and eliminated ...
After several months of short-term ministry work in Nairobi, Kenya, Dan Verhoef sought God's direction for the next season of his life. He felt moved to expand his volunteer role at Midwest Food Bank Georgia. At the same time, MFB Georgia was discussing a need for more Core Volunteers. Dan now fulfills the role of Core Volunteer, assisting Jef...
When Jill Welti worked as a dental hygienist, not everyone was excited to see her. "I like that everyone is happy to be at Midwest Food Bank," says Jill. "Not everyone was happy to come to the dentist." Now retired, Jill says spending time at MFB New England fills her time with something purposeful. "I receive much more than I give," says Jill.&nbs...
A plain white envelope containing eight quarters and some dollar bills arrived in the mailbox at Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania. It was addressed "To Lori," and contained a sweet note from a Girl Scout who volunteered at MFB a few weeks before. "As a staff, we're not sure if we have ever received anything more heartfelt and kind than Tylee's sweet ...
Again, I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with you," Matthew 18: 19-20. On May 5, the staff and board of Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania came together with about 30 people from their nonprofit food partner...
Bob Evans says he is a fan of Matthew - the book in the Bible, that is. He's not only a fan but a follower and a doer when it comes to verse 25:40: "I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." Bob joined the board of Midwest Food Bank Indiana earlier this year. He brings a wealth of e...
It's not just about food for Faith Hope and Love Community in Indianapolis. FHL is one of the food partners that receive food, without cost, from Midwest Food Bank Indiana. Yes, they distribute food through 10 different pantries. but they also want to create a path of self-sufficiency for the people they meet and serve. Here's how that h...
Tomi Brooks describes herself as a huge sports fan. Her work life also was in the sports arena as the Operations Coordinator for the NCAA for 23 years. That experience helping young people compete and be part of a team will come in handy as she builds a roster of volunteers at Midwest Food Bank Indiana. Tomi joined the Indiana staff as Volunte...
Senior executives from Vanguard's Global Investment Operations recently met at MFB Arizona to hold a business strategy session. One of their agenda items was "learn about Midwest Food Bank." During that session Vanguard employees also did hands-on volunteering repackaging bulk food. MFB frequently receives corporate donations o...
School is out for summer, and kids will be at the swimming pool, ball diamond, riding bikes. And volunteering at Midwest Food Bank. Yep, kids love to spend their time volunteering, and MFB has many tasks that are just right for kids. Here is what a few of the younger volunteers at the Morton location have to say about service. "It makes me feel goo...
In her professional career, Anne Ambwere chose the ethical path. It's a walk that helped her as the leader of Jamii SACCO in East Africa. SACCO stands for Savings and Credit Cooperative Society, and it is a membership-based financial institution. Under her 20-year leadership, Jamii SACCO has become highly profitable while still maintaining core val...
As the events in Ukraine unfold, we've watched as refugees have fled their homes, struggling with great loss. One Midwest Food Bank Texas board member, Rich Stoller, decided to see if he could help. Combining the strengths of MFB with three other organizations, Rich has been able to coordinate the overseas shipment of a load of Tender Mercies, MFB'...
Three organizations are influential in supporting Midwest Food Bank - the Caterpillar Foundation, GROWMARK, and State Farm. All three are top supporters of MFB operations in Illinois and beyond. Over the past year, all three have supported MFB in the form of grants - $56,000 from the Caterpillar Foundation, $50,000 from GROWMARK, and $150,000 from ...
