As a faith based organization it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to alleviate hunger and poverty by gathering and distributing food donations to not-for-profits and disaster sites without cost to the recipients.

Food insecurity exists in every county in the United States. Our model is to place ourselves in the middle; between those with abundance and those with little.

We accomplish our purpose by providing ongoing support to our partner nonprofit agencies. They depend on us to help them obtain food, on average receiving over 40% of their total food supply from MFB. These hunger-relief agencies impact over 3.6 million people in need, and are the front line between health and happiness versus hunger and despair.

Trucking = Blessings Delivered

It all starts with trucking. With our own fleet of semis, product is delivered to our facilities from all across the country. With our refrigerated vehicles and dedicated drivers, food is also picked up locally that is unable to be sold, but is still of good quality, from a wide range of grocers and food establishments. This food is typically picked up by our volunteer drivers, avoiding the need brokering a paid driver keeping MFB's costs limited to the operation of the vehicles.

Distribution = Sharing the Blessings

Distribution is the central program of MFB. Each nonprofit organization go through an application process in order to begin receiving food. They depend on us to help them obtain food, on average receiving a significant portion of their total food supply. These hunger-relief agencies are the front line between health and happiness versus hunger and despair.

Disaster Relief = Delivering Hope

Midwest Food Bank formed a parternship in 2005 with The Salvation Army during the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We continue to help as much as possible, and keep on hand several loads of boxes ready to be sent out at a moment's notice. Through donations and purchases each box contains: food, personal care items, and literature for a family of 4-6.

Tender Mercies = Feeding Thousands / One package at a time

Our Tender Mercies Program is an impactful solution that addresses two of the most unjust hardships - hunger and lack of nutrition. Our answer was to combine raw ingredients (Beans, TVP, Rice, Seasoning & Vitamins) into a satisfying, tasty meal that is high in nutrition, fiber and protein.

Volunteers = Hands & Feet

Volunteers are an integral part of the success of MFB's mission to bridge the gap. Our volunteers come from all ages and walks of life, with diverse ethnic and religious backgrounds. Seniors, retirees, teenagers, homemakers, corporate employees, faith-based groups, entrepreneurs, college students, donate their time throughout the year. They are the backbone of MFB, assisting in all aspects of warehouse, administrative, and special event operations.

Capabilities in achieving our goals are our: fleet of semis, multiple distribution centers, direct relationship with The Salvation Army, and our robust volunteer base.

Progress indicators include: increase/decrease of growth in programs. From our founding, we have growth of food distributed value, agencies served, and people impacted.

Here is brief look at the happenings at each MFB location.

Bloomington-Normal, IL [Est. 2003]
Biggest year yet in terms of volunteers and food distribution.
New, larger location purchased in late November.
Remodel underway, plan to move Spring 2017

Peoria, IL [Est. 2007]
22% increase in the number of volunteer hours.
Two additional remote food distribution sites established

Indianapolis, IN [Est. 2008]
Created a network of remote distribution sites.
Able to serve more agencies

Peachtree City, GA [Est. 2011]
Expanded facility to include a loading dock and 8,000 sq. ft. of additional warehouse space.
Plan to begin using new space in Spring 2017

Morton, IL [Est. 2012]
Expanded Tender Mercies program.
Now serving 25 agencies as a remote distribution site

Fort Myers, FL [Est. 2014]
Continued growth and partnership building.
Expanded agency list

Nairobi, Kenya, Africa [Est. 2014]
Officially designated as NGO by the Kenyan Government.
Finalized partnership with SoyAfric.
Crocodile meat facility completed.

Gilbert, AZ [Est. 2016]
Closed on new facility in September 2016.
Remodeling underway.
Plan to begin serving agencies in Spring 2017.

Where will Midwest Food Bank go in the future? God knows. His hand will lead in 2017, just as in the past. MFB plans to acknowledge Him in all our ways, and let Him direct our path.