PRESORTED Midwest Food Bank STANDARD 2031 Warehouse Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORMAL, IL Normal, IL 61761 PERMIT NO 148
Family food box assembly at MFB Arizona.
A volunteer group serves a meal to distribution March 2019 volunteers at MFB Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
AROUND THE TABLE
“ “ MOST VOLUNTEERS FIND BLESSINGS IN GIVING Volunteers are crucial to the MFB mission I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world. -Morther Teresa Below is part of an email we received from Sharon: In 2018, over $200 million in food was given to partnering agencies at no cost to “A year ago today, I started them. Over 60 semi loads of disaster relief agencies. my new adventure at Midwest were sent to support victims of hurricanes, Charity Navigator rating The teams also toured Soy Afric, the company Food Bank Peoria. I was and the California wildfires. Over 99¢ of every Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) is that packages Tender Mercies meals, and observed hesitant to commit, as since dollar donated to MFB goes toward programs America’s premier charity evaluating service. the process. It was a blessing to see in person the my husband’s passing, I felt and services that feed the hungry. CONNECT They evaluate a charity’s financial health, as well jobs created through Tender Mercies packaging. lost. I really didn’t know what One common thing makes each of these Follow us on Facebook as its accountability and transparency. A 4-star MFB staff in Kenya continue to identify and to do with my life. amazing facts a reality: Volunteers. Tender Mercies packaging at rating indicates a charity which “exceeds industry review new agency partners to further our reach. The food bank has Each location of Midwest Food Bank has MFB Morton, Illinois. standards and outperforms most charities in its The ISU team met with university leaders and changed everything. I have a team of volunteers that make the impossible cause.” educators in Kenya and Tanzania to evaluate the confidence and determination They drive forklifts, semis, box trucks, and happen every day. In Morton, IL, Teresa Midwest Food Bank is thankful to have earned effectiveness of nutrition education in East Africa. back. Fellow volunteers and lawn mowers. helps with her exceptional talent for Excel the 4-star rating for a seventh consecutive year. The goal was to identify ways to improve the employees at Midwest Food In truth, the list goes on and on. The point spreadsheets. Scott does an amazing job with ENGAGE We strive to be good stewards over the donations nutritional knowledge of the general population. Bank have become caring is, if a person has an area of expertise entrusted to us. To all of the volunteers and friends. The accomplishment the IT needs in Georgia. In Arizona, Gary Contact your local Midwest or a passion, it can provide help donors who make of feeding so many people, leads forklift safety training. Bob keeps all fleet for those struggling with food Food Bank to learn more about this possible, we as part of the team, is vehicles (trucks) up to date with maintenance insecurity. our volunteer opportunities. offer our humble outstanding. in Bloomington-Normal, IL. You are proficient in and sincere, “thank Thank you all for welcoming Each MFB location is a multi-million dollar something. You have a talent you.” me. It definitely takes team distribution center, run with a paid staff of 2-6 or passion. If you bring it to SUPPORT effort to feed the world! people. Our generous volunteers allow us to Midwest Food Bank, we’ll do We are thankful for your put most of our resources into helping those our best to use it to help feed who are food insecure. support in prayer. If you are Visit to MFB East Africa the hungry. Stop by your Among other things, volunteers organize led to contribute financially, MFB East Africa continues to support partner local MFB and share your schools, churches and orphanages with the distributions, lead volunteer groups in passion with the world. we have enclosed an envelope repackaging projects, provide meals for for your convenience. On distribution of Tender Mercies and fresh produce. MFB board members, staff and supporters, and volunteer groups, and answer phones and Rosie uses her behalf of those we serve, Illinois State University leaders visited operations greet visitors. They do blog writing, grant accounting skills thank you. in Kenya in two groups in late January and early Students at one of the MFB East Africa partner writing, data entry, carpentry, painting, HVAC to help at MFB February. Both trips included visits to partner schools. maintenance, IT support, and landscaping. Indiana. Produced by Midwest Food Bank 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal, IL 61761 Sharon at MFB Peoria. AGENCY SPOTLIGHT UPDATES FROM MFB LOCATIONS Geneva, pictured with volunteer, Bob, below, was the first client at ARIZONA HAITI Donated food can the new location of Eastview Food Pantry serving with love MFB Arizona finished 2018 strong and is off Our first forty-foot sea container in 2019 be labeled with the Eastview Christian “During each visit we pray with each guest and pantry was opened in January 2019, in a location to an exciting start to 2019. We held our first shipped in February with two more anticipated to dates which some Church Food Pantry. talk about how we can move forward in our lives,” convenient to a large number of their guests. This volunteer appreciation banquet which allowed us ship in March. Other key priorities for 2019 include may find confusing. says Charmelle Watkins, Director, move is the first step in a targeted plan to reach time to fellowship with nearly 100 volunteers. Two doubling the amount of food distributed in 2018 Here is a look Eastview Christian Church Food more community members. midday news show segments allowed us to share and researching the abilityCopyright © Free Vector Maps.comto source and package at the meaning Pantry. “We believe change One woman, while meeting with a host, the MFB mission and inform the audience about Tender Mercies in country. behind some of the happens best in relationships.” accepted Christ in her life and decided to AZ Tax Credit donations. January was the official wording: start of our rejected load program. It was rolled out The Bloomington, Illinois, be baptized and join the church. Eight years INDIANA Best Before Date to the industry as MFB Arizona sponsored the AZ pantry serves about 500 later she volunteers weekly at the pantry – God has been growing this ministry, and for the The last date by which a households in McLean County each hosting others and doing any other tasks needed. Trucking Association clay pigeon shoot. Indiana location it has been steady and nonstop. product’s flavor or quality month. In the last ten years, it has Eastview’s partnership with Midwest Food We hit the one million mark for cases distributed is best. The product may grown to over 6,000 sq. ft. Bank allows them to offer fresh produce, bread, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL in 2018. As one of the smallest locations in physical still be enjoyed after McLean County residents can visit and dairy products on a weekly basis. The monthly In December 2018, 969 volunteers from 70 size it is a challenge, but God takes the small things the “best before date.” the food pantry once a month. If a distributions allow them to offer a huge selection different groups shared their blessings of time and of this world to make a big impact for His Kingdom. May also be called “Best family experiences extreme hardship, of items they would never be able to purchase. effort to hand package food - a record number! We say, “We do more with less so people with less if Used By” date or the “Best By” date. weekly visits may be made for a short MFB also provides a significant majority of food To make room for more agencies on the waiting can have more.” It’s amazing to see so many working time. A wide variety of produce, dairy, for their Backpack Program. list, we have added additional specialty monthly together with the blessings God sends our way. Use By Date bread, pastries, and meat are available. “I am filled with gratitude that someone from distribution days. One bulk distribution day was The last day that the manufacturer vouches for The pantry also provides non-food our town started the food bank,” says Charmelle. added to better serve our soup kitchen-type agencies. MORTON, IL the product’s quality. You household and hygiene items. Coffee “The gap it has filled in food security has been Including Backpack Programs and out-of-state may eat the food after and snacks are available as a means of miraculous.” distributions, we serve over 440 agencies throughout It was a record year for the Tender Mercies meal program at Midwest Food Bank Morton. Volunteers the use by date, but it building community with visitors. Midwest Food Bank is blessed to partner with Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky. produced over 1.5 millions meals. Eight events likely is not going to be Eastview also supports a Backpack Program agencies like the Eastview Christian Church Food at peak quality. were organized at other locations where the meals and two after school programs. A second food Pantry, where people are served with love. Sell By Date HOW CAN EAST AFRICA were assembled, engaging over 1,000 volunteers The last date stores are A U.S. donor contacted MFB Africa to see if and producing 220,000 meals. These events supposed to display the VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT they could sponsor food for programs they were were sponsored by corporations, churches and supporting in Uganda. It took some work, but product for sale. The food YOU universities. To learn more about Tender Mercies, product may be used and we were able to ship 5.5 metric tonnes of Tender please call 309-291-0900. enjoyed past this date. HELP? Volunteering ‘makes me a better person’ Mercies meals to Operation Underground Railroad Some volunteers are almost employees, volunteers to help with unusual needs is one of in Kampala, a ministry which rescues trafficked Other notes: children. Another 8.5 tonnes went to Love One PEORIA, IL • Food dates are not putting in long hours and being present nearly 6 Randy’s specialties. He is constantly on top of the Office renovations are complete and staff and SHARE days a week. Such is the case with Randy Jekel, a cleanliness of the warehouse. In general, he is a International, a school and orphanage with 400 required by law. volunteers are settling into the new community space • Food can legally be >30% OF THE FOOD SUPPLY IN volunteer at Midwest Food Bank Indiana. leader and able to get things done. abandoned children. THE UNITED STATES IS WASTED and offices. We are ready to expand the warehouse sold after the “by” [ An Army veteran, retired from US Airlines, What Randy likes best about volunteering at space and start the drive-thru in the spring. Thanks date. 1. BECOME A FOOD PARTNER] FLORIDA 2. START A FOOD DRIVE Randy felt a nudge from God to seek volunteer MFB is working with the other volunteers and to all who have supported this expansion. • Food Dates are not 3. SPREAD THE WORD work. Seeing the sign while driving by MFB, agencies. “I like to help other people – I feel the MFB Florida enjoys participating in community Specific volunteer roles we need: intended for safety. he stopped in and learned need to give back,” he says. “I feel like this events. It gives us and our volunteers a better sense - Grocery route drivers (no special license needed) DONATE about us. He began is exactly where God wants me.” of the impact MFB has. We distributed shelf-stable - Forklift drivers and CDL licensed semi-drivers OF EVERY DOLLAR volunteering late in 2017. Randy is married to Leesa, and has food and ready-to-eat meals at the annual Stand - Office support staff for phones and data entry DONATED FEEDS An early riser, Randy two sons and a granddaughter. “I have Down Event put together by the Lee County 99¢ HUNGRY PEOPLE - Grant writing help is often at the warehouse two dogs that I like, and a cat that I don’t Homeless Coalition. We also distributed food at a Please call 309-691-5270 or stop by to learn more. VOLUNTEER at 4 a.m. This is a great care for,” he says. CPR and Wellness Celebration Cape Coral. YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN! help to those making early “Randy is amazing,” says Debbie TEXAS deliveries to MFB, as he is Wingate, Volunteer Coordinator at GEORGIA The Pantego Bible Church has gifted us with HOUR To receive email OF VOLUNTEERING PROVIDES able to take in donations. Midwest Food Bank Indiana. “His MFB Georgia was recognized by the Fayette some land in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. 275+ MEALS During his day at the consistent and hard-working presence is Chamber of Commerce with the 2018 Nonprofit It is our hope to build a structure on this land that updates, please visit 1 FOR THOSE IN NEED warehouse, Randy wears a a huge blessing to many.” Award of Excellence. This award recognizes and will allow us to expand our service to North Texas. our website and go to number of hats. He is able We salute Randy and the many honors a nonprofit organization that demonstrates We have established a twice-monthly distribution the “News” button. to oversee the distribution other volunteers who make this enhancement of the quality of life and betterment schedule and are currently serving 32 agencies in 21 Select “Newsletter” of products to partner ministry possible. Their dedication of the community, contributes a balance of time, counties. It is exciting to have the support of the and then choose agencies. Organizing and hard work are inspiring. expertise and funding, and serves locally, regionally local community and MFB Texas looks forward to a or nationally with a local or regional presence. year of growing to serve. “eNewsletter.” We got Randy Jekel to pause for a photo. MidwestFoodBank.org AGENCY SPOTLIGHT UPDATES FROM MFB LOCATIONS Geneva, pictured with volunteer, Bob, below, was the first client at ARIZONA HAITI Donated food can the new location of Eastview Food Pantry serving with love MFB Arizona finished 2018 strong and is off Our first forty-foot sea container in 2019 be labeled with the Eastview Christian “During each visit we pray with each guest and pantry was opened in January 2019, in a location to an exciting start to 2019. We held our first shipped in February with two more anticipated to dates which some Church Food Pantry. talk about how we can move forward in our lives,” convenient to a large number of their guests. This volunteer appreciation banquet which allowed us ship in March. Other key priorities for 2019 include may find confusing. says Charmelle Watkins, Director, move is the first step in a targeted plan to reach time to fellowship with nearly 100 volunteers. Two doubling the amount of food distributed in 2018 Here is a look Eastview Christian Church Food more community members. midday news show segments allowed us to share and researching the abilityCopyright © Free Vector Maps.comto source and package at the meaning Pantry. “We believe change One woman, while meeting with a host, the MFB mission and inform the audience about Tender Mercies in country. behind some of the happens best in relationships.” accepted Christ in her life and decided to AZ Tax Credit donations. January was the official wording: start of our rejected load program. It was rolled out The Bloomington, Illinois, be baptized and join the church. Eight years INDIANA Best Before Date to the industry as MFB Arizona sponsored the AZ pantry serves about 500 later she volunteers weekly at the pantry – God has been growing this ministry, and for the The last date by which a households in McLean County each hosting others and doing any other tasks needed. Trucking Association clay pigeon shoot. Indiana location it has been steady and nonstop. product’s flavor or quality month. In the last ten years, it has Eastview’s partnership with Midwest Food We hit the one million mark for cases distributed is best. The product may grown to over 6,000 sq. ft. Bank allows them to offer fresh produce, bread, BLOOMINGTON-NORMAL, IL in 2018. As one of the smallest locations in physical still be enjoyed after McLean County residents can visit and dairy products on a weekly basis. The monthly In December 2018, 969 volunteers from 70 size it is a challenge, but God takes the small things the “best before date.” the food pantry once a month. If a distributions allow them to offer a huge selection different groups shared their blessings of time and of this world to make a big impact for His Kingdom. May also be called “Best family experiences extreme hardship, of items they would never be able to purchase. effort to hand package food - a record number! We say, “We do more with less so people with less if Used By” date or the “Best By” date. weekly visits may be made for a short MFB also provides a significant majority of food To make room for more agencies on the waiting can have more.” It’s amazing to see so many working time. A wide variety of produce, dairy, for their Backpack Program. list, we have added additional specialty monthly together with the blessings God sends our way. Use By Date bread, pastries, and meat are available. “I am filled with gratitude that someone from distribution days. One bulk distribution day was The last day that the manufacturer vouches for The pantry also provides non-food our town started the food bank,” says Charmelle. added to better serve our soup kitchen-type agencies. MORTON, IL the product’s quality. You household and hygiene items. Coffee “The gap it has filled in food security has been Including Backpack Programs and out-of-state may eat the food after and snacks are available as a means of miraculous.” distributions, we serve over 440 agencies throughout It was a record year for the Tender Mercies meal program at Midwest Food Bank Morton. Volunteers the use by date, but it building community with visitors. Midwest Food Bank is blessed to partner with Illinois, Tennessee, Missouri and Kentucky. produced over 1.5 millions meals. Eight events likely is not going to be Eastview also supports a Backpack Program agencies like the Eastview Christian Church Food at peak quality. were organized at other locations where the meals and two after school programs. A second food Pantry, where people are served with love. Sell By Date HOW CAN EAST AFRICA were assembled, engaging over 1,000 volunteers The last date stores are A U.S. donor contacted MFB Africa to see if and producing 220,000 meals. These events supposed to display the VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT they could sponsor food for programs they were were sponsored by corporations, churches and supporting in Uganda. It took some work, but product for sale. The food YOU universities. To learn more about Tender Mercies, product may be used and we were able to ship 5.5 metric tonnes of Tender please call 309-291-0900. enjoyed past this date. HELP? Volunteering ‘makes me a better person’ Mercies meals to Operation Underground Railroad Some volunteers are almost employees, volunteers to help with unusual needs is one of in Kampala, a ministry which rescues trafficked Other notes: children. Another 8.5 tonnes went to Love One PEORIA, IL • Food dates are not putting in long hours and being present nearly 6 Randy’s specialties. He is constantly on top of the Office renovations are complete and staff and SHARE days a week. Such is the case with Randy Jekel, a cleanliness of the warehouse. In general, he is a International, a school and orphanage with 400 required by law. volunteers are settling into the new community space • Food can legally be >30% OF THE FOOD SUPPLY IN volunteer at Midwest Food Bank Indiana. leader and able to get things done. abandoned children. THE UNITED STATES IS WASTED and offices. We are ready to expand the warehouse sold after the “by” [ An Army veteran, retired from US Airlines, What Randy likes best about volunteering at space and start the drive-thru in the spring. Thanks date. 1. BECOME A FOOD PARTNER] FLORIDA 2. START A FOOD DRIVE Randy felt a nudge from God to seek volunteer MFB is working with the other volunteers and to all who have supported this expansion. • Food Dates are not 3. SPREAD THE WORD work. Seeing the sign while driving by MFB, agencies. “I like to help other people – I feel the MFB Florida enjoys participating in community Specific volunteer roles we need: intended for safety. he stopped in and learned need to give back,” he says. “I feel like this events. It gives us and our volunteers a better sense - Grocery route drivers (no special license needed) DONATE about us. He began is exactly where God wants me.” of the impact MFB has. We distributed shelf-stable - Forklift drivers and CDL licensed semi-drivers OF EVERY DOLLAR volunteering late in 2017. Randy is married to Leesa, and has food and ready-to-eat meals at the annual Stand - Office support staff for phones and data entry DONATED FEEDS An early riser, Randy two sons and a granddaughter. “I have Down Event put together by the Lee County 99¢ HUNGRY PEOPLE - Grant writing help is often at the warehouse two dogs that I like, and a cat that I don’t Homeless Coalition. We also distributed food at a Please call 309-691-5270 or stop by to learn more. VOLUNTEER at 4 a.m. This is a great care for,” he says. CPR and Wellness Celebration Cape Coral. YOU MAKE IT HAPPEN! help to those making early “Randy is amazing,” says Debbie TEXAS deliveries to MFB, as he is Wingate, Volunteer Coordinator at GEORGIA The Pantego Bible Church has gifted us with HOUR To receive email OF VOLUNTEERING PROVIDES able to take in donations. Midwest Food Bank Indiana. “His MFB Georgia was recognized by the Fayette some land in the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex area. 275+ MEALS During his day at the consistent and hard-working presence is Chamber of Commerce with the 2018 Nonprofit It is our hope to build a structure on this land that updates, please visit 1 FOR THOSE IN NEED warehouse, Randy wears a a huge blessing to many.” Award of Excellence. This award recognizes and will allow us to expand our service to North Texas. our website and go to number of hats. He is able We salute Randy and the many honors a nonprofit organization that demonstrates We have established a twice-monthly distribution the “News” button. to oversee the distribution other volunteers who make this enhancement of the quality of life and betterment schedule and are currently serving 32 agencies in 21 Select “Newsletter” of products to partner ministry possible. Their dedication of the community, contributes a balance of time, counties. It is exciting to have the support of the and then choose agencies. Organizing and hard work are inspiring. expertise and funding, and serves locally, regionally local community and MFB Texas looks forward to a or nationally with a local or regional presence. year of growing to serve. “eNewsletter.” We got Randy Jekel to pause for a photo. MidwestFoodBank.org PRESORTED Midwest Food Bank STANDARD 2031 Warehouse Road U.S. POSTAGE PAID NORMAL, IL Normal, IL 61761 PERMIT NO 148
Family food box assembly at MFB Arizona.
A volunteer group serves a meal to distribution March 2019 volunteers at MFB Bloomington-Normal, Illinois.
AROUND THE TABLE
“ “ MOST VOLUNTEERS FIND BLESSINGS IN GIVING Volunteers are crucial to the MFB mission I’m a little pencil in the hand of a writing God, who is sending a love letter to the world. -Morther Teresa Below is part of an email we received from Sharon: In 2018, over $200 million in food was given to partnering agencies at no cost to “A year ago today, I started them. Over 60 semi loads of disaster relief agencies. my new adventure at Midwest were sent to support victims of hurricanes, Charity Navigator rating The teams also toured Soy Afric, the company Food Bank Peoria. I was and the California wildfires. Over 99¢ of every Charity Navigator (charitynavigator.org) is that packages Tender Mercies meals, and observed hesitant to commit, as since dollar donated to MFB goes toward programs America’s premier charity evaluating service. the process. It was a blessing to see in person the my husband’s passing, I felt and services that feed the hungry. CONNECT They evaluate a charity’s financial health, as well jobs created through Tender Mercies packaging. lost. I really didn’t know what One common thing makes each of these Follow us on Facebook as its accountability and transparency. A 4-star MFB staff in Kenya continue to identify and to do with my life. amazing facts a reality: Volunteers. Tender Mercies packaging at rating indicates a charity which “exceeds industry review new agency partners to further our reach. The food bank has Each location of Midwest Food Bank has MFB Morton, Illinois. standards and outperforms most charities in its The ISU team met with university leaders and changed everything. I have a team of volunteers that make the impossible cause.” educators in Kenya and Tanzania to evaluate the confidence and determination They drive forklifts, semis, box trucks, and happen every day. In Morton, IL, Teresa Midwest Food Bank is thankful to have earned effectiveness of nutrition education in East Africa. back. Fellow volunteers and lawn mowers. helps with her exceptional talent for Excel the 4-star rating for a seventh consecutive year. The goal was to identify ways to improve the employees at Midwest Food In truth, the list goes on and on. The point spreadsheets. Scott does an amazing job with ENGAGE We strive to be good stewards over the donations nutritional knowledge of the general population. Bank have become caring is, if a person has an area of expertise entrusted to us. To all of the volunteers and friends. The accomplishment the IT needs in Georgia. In Arizona, Gary Contact your local Midwest or a passion, it can provide help donors who make of feeding so many people, leads forklift safety training. Bob keeps all fleet for those struggling with food Food Bank to learn more about this possible, we as part of the team, is vehicles (trucks) up to date with maintenance insecurity. our volunteer opportunities. offer our humble outstanding. in Bloomington-Normal, IL. You are proficient in and sincere, “thank Thank you all for welcoming Each MFB location is a multi-million dollar something. You have a talent you.” me. It definitely takes team distribution center, run with a paid staff of 2-6 or passion. If you bring it to SUPPORT effort to feed the world! people. Our generous volunteers allow us to Midwest Food Bank, we’ll do We are thankful for your put most of our resources into helping those our best to use it to help feed who are food insecure. support in prayer. If you are Visit to MFB East Africa the hungry. Stop by your Among other things, volunteers organize led to contribute financially, MFB East Africa continues to support partner local MFB and share your schools, churches and orphanages with the distributions, lead volunteer groups in passion with the world. we have enclosed an envelope repackaging projects, provide meals for for your convenience. On distribution of Tender Mercies and fresh produce. MFB board members, staff and supporters, and volunteer groups, and answer phones and Rosie uses her behalf of those we serve, Illinois State University leaders visited operations greet visitors. They do blog writing, grant accounting skills thank you. in Kenya in two groups in late January and early Students at one of the MFB East Africa partner writing, data entry, carpentry, painting, HVAC to help at MFB February. Both trips included visits to partner schools. maintenance, IT support, and landscaping. Indiana. Produced by Midwest Food Bank 2031 Warehouse Road, Normal, IL 61761 Sharon at MFB Peoria.