Church Donates Meat and Milk to Midwest Food Bank of Texas
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints partners with Midwest Food Bank in Texas, delivering meat and milk to local communities in need.
by Sandra Cooper
The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints recently made another truck delivery of meat and milk to Midwest Food Bank (MWFB) in Haltom City. MWFB is a faith based organization. Their story began with the Kieser family, who were inspired to donate a portion of their crops to feed those in need in 2003. From this beginning, MWFB has grown to twelve locations in Illinois, Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Texas, Pennsylvania, New England, East Africa, and Haiti. MWFB of Texas supplies food to over 100 local charitable agencies ranging from right here in North Texas to parts of Oklahoma. MWFB distributes food with love, respect, and without prejudice. All of their charities are vetted to be sure what they receive from MWFB is given freely to those who are in need.
In May of 2023, several local leaders for the Church of Jesus Christ, including Julie Poole (Manager for Welfare and Self Reliance Services in Texas and Oklahoma) and Shane Keil (Hurst Texas Stake Communications Director) visited MWFB in Haltom City, Texas for a tour. It was at this time that a relationship was established. Shortly after, the first food truck from the Church made a delivery on June 28, 2023. This delivery was followed up with another delivery on October 11, 2023 where 33,000 lbs. of dry food commodities was delivered.
Poole and Keil helped to coordinate the first food truck delivery for 2024. In January of this year, 15 pallets of assorted frozen meats including pork tenderloins, beef roasts, chicken and ground beef were donated. This delivery was followed up with 4,320 gallons of milk spread out on 24 pallets delivered on March 13 of this year.
Most recently, Gareth Keown, Executive Director Midwest Food Bank of Texas, notified Shane Keil that to date that since the beginning of 2024, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints has donated over 92,138 lbs of food commodities, that equates to 46 tons of dry packaged foods, frozen meat and milk. The Haltom City location is the only Midwest Food Bank location in Texas and serves approximately 127,000 individuals per month.
"Your support has been a beacon of hope and a lifeline for the now 1-in-7 individuals and families facing food insecurity. [The Church’s] consistent support has played a significant role in our community impact, and we are now the largest food bank in America, with locations in 10 states. You are not just making a difference; you are a vital part of feeding hungry people, extending beyond our state lines, and serving our fellow Americans. Thank you for your support and generosity."
Gareth Keown, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank of Texas
On June 12th, 2024 the Church will be providing another donation of 4,230 gallons of milk to Midwest Food Bank.
Shane Keil’s involvement with this effort to provide food to local food banks has had a significant impact on him. He commented about MWFB’s efforts, “They continually provide me with a stronger witness of the work we do to help our fellow human beings. They are an example of what I hope I can be as a follower of the Savior. Humble, willing to stop and help, willing to uplift, and being a positive attitude to encourage as the Savior did.”
Sandra Cooper serves as a Hurst Stake Website Editor and Reporter. She is foremost a daughter of God who knows she is loved by Him. She delights in nothing more than striving to be a disciple of Jesus Christ and to honor His name. Nothing brings Sandra more joy than being a wife and mother. She is by nature a home body where she enjoys living a simplified life.
