In Manchester, Connecticut, lies a beacon of hope and generosity - Midwest Food Bank. Recently, Pat Kupec, Cornerstone's Community Kitchen Manager, and Alexis Flint, Cornerstone's Programs and Operations Director, had the privilege of visiting this remarkable organization. They were welcomed by Jan Young, Midwest Food Bank's Executive Director, who graciously took them on a tour of the facility.
As they walked through the quiet halls of the Midwest Food Bank in Manchester, it was hard to imagine the bustling activity that typically engulfs this place. On their distribution days, an impressive 140 organizations from the surrounding area come to pick up food over a span of just 3 1/2 days. It's a whirlwind of activity, a symphony of compassion and efficiency that ensures that those in need receive the nourishment they require.
Midwest Food Bank's journey began in Bloomington, Illinois, in 2003. This year, they are celebrating an impressive 20 years of unwavering dedication to their mission. Over these two decades, they have grown to become a vital pillar of support for countless communities. The Manchester, CT location had its first distribution in November 2021, marking a significant milestone in their mission to serve their community.
One of the most awe-inspiring aspects of Midwest Food Bank is its reliance on volunteers. The organization runs almost entirely on the dedication and passion of volunteers who believe in the power of giving back. They are the lifeblood of this operation, embodying the spirit of community and compassion that Midwest Food Bank stands for.
Perhaps one of the most astonishing facts about Midwest Food Bank is their ability to stretch every dollar they receive. For every single dollar they receive, they can turn it into a remarkable $30 worth of food to be donated. This is the result of their disciplined stewardship of financial gifts and their unwavering commitment to empowering volunteers to realize their mission.
Jan Young, the Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank, shared with Pat and Alexis the astounding impact they've been making in the fight against hunger. They are on the verge of distributing nearly one million pounds of food monthly to organizations like Cornerstone. This staggering quantity of food isn't just sustenance; it's a lifeline for the communities that rely on it.
Cornerstone, like many other organizations, heavily depends on the vital work that Midwest Food Bank, its dedicated staff, and volunteers carry out day in and day out. Without the support of organizations like Midwest Food Bank, the mission of nourishing communities and providing for those in need would be an uphill battle.
The visit to Midwest Food Bank was not just a tour; it was a testament to the incredible impact that individuals and organizations can make when they come together with a shared purpose. It showcased how a commitment to responsible stewardship, community engagement, and a passion for serving those in need can create a brighter and more hopeful future for all.
As Cornerstone continues its mission to provide for its community, it does so with the knowledge that partners like Midwest Food Bank stand beside them, ready to make a difference. Together, they are working towards a world where no one goes to bed hungry, where compassion and generosity triumph over adversity, and where organizations like Midwest Food Bank continue to be beacons of hope for communities in need.
If you'd like to learn more about Midwest Food Bank or get involved, you can visit them at www.midwestfoodbank.org.
Alexis Flint
Programs and Operations Director