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The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has contributed $300,000 to the Midwest Food Bank (MFB), a faith-based organization located in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. This donation was primarily used to acquire a new semitruck, enhancing MFB's capacity to deliver aid to 2,500 nonprofit partners across the nation. The funds aim to combat hunger and malnutrition and support those affected by natural disasters.
On December 6, 2024, local and regional leaders from the Church met with Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank, along with his leadership team. The gathering included a tour of MFB’s facilities and an unveiling of the newly acquired vehicle to journalists. Hodel expressed gratitude for the Church's contribution toward procuring food and expanding their logistics capabilities.
“Your generous donation to be able to have the means to purchase this truck and the funds to be able to put it to use and procure food is greatly appreciated,” stated Hodel. He also noted that volunteers from the Church are active at all ten U.S. locations of MFB.
Corey Wurtzbacher, president of the Peoria Illinois Stake, emphasized the value of cooperation between Church members and community volunteers in supporting those in need. “[Midwest Food Bank] has the will to do what is right in this community, and their business model really allows our Church to supplement their work.”
Elder Kirt L. Hodges attended as a representative from the Church. Visiting MFB for the first time, he acknowledged shared values that facilitate collaboration between both organizations in aiding communities.
“We are so grateful to be able to collaborate with you and hope this truck has hundreds of thousands and even millions of miles put on it,” Elder Hodges commented.
Hodel outlined MFB’s operational framework which relies on financial donations, donated food, and volunteer support—all areas where he noted significant contributions from the Church: “Your food production out of Utah has provided over $15 million worth of food.”
Founded in 2003 on a farm in rural McLean County by the Kieser family, Midwest Food Bank has grown into America's largest private food bank with ten domestic locations serving 23 states. Nonprofits can collect supplies monthly without cost at any regional center; there are additional international branches located in East Africa and Haiti.
President Wurtzbacher explained his motivation for fostering ties with Midwest Food Bank: “You can see the light in people who are really aligned with doing what Heavenly Father wants us to do...This organization has the will...and their business model really allows our Church to supplement their work.”
