Midwest Food Bank: The Volunteer Experience

On Thursday October 3rd 2013, several members of the Xi Psi chapter of Alpha Kappa Psi went to volunteer at Midwest Food Bank in Bloomington, Illinois. While the members were there, they worked on assembling different sorts of non-perishable food items for local food pantries. Through only two hours work, the members were able to assemble many different palettes of food that will be able to last and supply a multitude of different families for several months. Not only did our members assist MWFB, but they are also aided a vast outreach program that Midwest Food Bank supports. Midwest Food Bank not only supports local food banks/charities, it also has a national distribution channel, and even serves an international community during times of disasters.

What is Midwest Food Bank?

Midwest Food Bank serves over 500 nonprofit organizations.  Their organizational structure enables many nonprofit organizations and volunteers to take part in monthly distributions and daily activities. Each month, one week is dedicated to local distribution. During the week, organizations pick up products to distribute to people in their community.  Hundreds of volunteers participate to make it possible. The food bank also has several different divisions in Illinois, Indiana, and Georgia. 

What is the best part at volunteering at MWFB?

I think for me the best part about volunteering is knowing that I am able to help so many people with just a few short hours of work. It is amazing how much our members can accomplish through teamwork. I have been to MWFB several times over the past 4 years and every time has been such a wonderful and rewarding experience. The other volunteers and full time staff are always so incredibly helpful and thankful for our help. Every time we go we also get to do something different depending on the needs of the regional or national community. Midwest Food Bank is such a great place to volunteer!

To find out more information, visit Midwest Food Bank's website at www.midwestfoodbank.org.
 
Brothers in attendance: Mike Gilbert, Kaitlin Norris, Jeff Mills, Patrick Kennedy, Sara Bleyaert, Vinny Carbone, Lindsay Brightwell, Taylor Wendt, Jacob Weiner, Kody Barnes, Curtis Washburn, Peter Tozzi, Carson Standford, James Shellie, and Katelyn Kerkstra


Blog post by: Kaitlin Norris

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