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Illinois Food Bank Delivers 311 Truckloads of Disaster Relief
MORTON, IL — An Illinois based food bank is highlighting more than two decades of disaster relief efforts, including 311 truckloads of emergency supplies and hundreds of thousands of food boxes distri
By Caleb Mercer · 2026-10-20T19:40:08.964Z
MORTON, IL — An Illinois based food bank is highlighting more than two decades of disaster relief efforts, including 311 truckloads of emergency supplies and hundreds of thousands of food boxes distributed through its partnership with The Salvation Army.
According to an Oct. 20 announcement from Midwest Food Bank, the partnership began following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, when founders David and Wilma Kieser personally delivered relief supplies to families devastated by the historic storm.
What started with a single truckload has since expanded into a nationwide operation providing emergency food, cleanup materials and essential supplies to communities facing disasters and economic hardship.
Thousands of Families Receive Critical Assistance Midwest Food Bank reports that since the COVID 19 pandemic began, its partnership with The Salvation Army has provided:
311 truckloads of disaster relief supplies 234,444 Family Food Boxes 17,868 Cleanup Buckets 17,324 Hygiene Kits The partnership also supports 58 Salvation Army canteens that serve as Midwest Food Bank agency partners across the country.
During the pandemic, Midwest Food Bank began sending emergency food shipments on March 18, responding to growing food insecurity and disruptions in donated food supplies.
The organization worked directly with manufacturers to purchase additional food products and maintain deliveries.
Illinois Organization Continues Nationwide Mission “When communities face disaster or families are struggling to put food on the table, strong partnerships allow us to respond with greater reach and impact,” Midwest Food Bank CEO Eric Hodel said.
The Salvation Army's national commander, Commissioner Merle Heatwole, also emphasized the importance of cooperation in helping communities recover from emergencies.
Founded in Illinois in 2003, Midwest Food Bank reports distributing more than $4.5 billion in food and relief supplies since its establishment.
The organization says more than 99 cents of every donated dollar supports hunger and disaster relief programs.
Residents interested in supporting the organization's continuing efforts can find information at MidwestFoodBank.org .