Our story starts in 2003 when the Kieser family actioned their faith to share their blessings. They turned a barn on their family farm into a distribution site for local food pantries. Soon they realized the need was greater and there was room for growth. Thanks to the generosity of our donors, the valuable work of our volunteers, and most importantly, the blessings of God, Midwest Food Bank now shares the blessing worldwide. More than 3.6 million people were impacted in 2017. Midwest Food Bank currently distributes over $11.5 million worth of food to over 1,400 non-profit organizations each month. This is done from our nine locations in Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Texas, East Africa and Haiti. We have a fleet of trucks and a team of volunteer drivers who stand ready. Food donations are picked up from all across the country, delivered to our facilities, and distributed to those in need. As a first responder to Salvation Army, we can have family food boxes on the road to a disaster site within 24 hours of a request. Each food box has enough food to feed a family of 4 for 4 to 5 days. Volunteers pack the boxes, load them on semis and drive them to affected areas. Midwest Food Bank is structured to provide service opportunities and operate through the work of volunteers. Our volunteers are more than our hands and feet; they are fundamental to the success of our organization. They collect, sort, pack, and distribute food and disaster relief donations, and remind us every day that our mission could not be achieved without them. More than 23,000 volunteers put in over 222,000 hours of service in 2017, the equivalent of over 100 full-time employees. The service of these dedicated volunteers allows Midwest Food Bank to operate efficiently. They gain the unique perspective that worldwide hunger is prevalent and their efforts can make a difference.