Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania will celebrate five years of serving Central Pennsylvania this fall with a new Lunch & Learn series, inviting community members, partners, and supporters to visit its warehouse, learn about the organization's growth, and hear about its plans for the next five years.

Since its first distribution in 2021, Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania has grown to distribute $32 million worth of food annually, supporting more than 220 partner agencies, the majority in the Central PA region. The organization operates on a $1.5 million budget with a small staff of four and a volunteer base of roughly 200 people who help sort, pack, and distribute food to families across the region.

The Lunch & Learn series will offer a behind-the-scenes look at the organization's warehouse operations, along with a firsthand look at how donations move from the loading dock to the communities that need them most. The gatherings are free, casual, and open to community members interested in learning more about the organization's mission and how they can get involved — whether through volunteering, donating, or spreading awareness. Sessions will be all be held at 2700 Commerce Drive, Middletown, PA from 12-1:30pm on the following dates:

September 15

September 30

October 6

October 30

November 12

December 2

"After joining the organization a year ago, I've been amazed at how much we've been able to accomplish with little to no marketing budget," said Sarah Brennan, Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania. "We've had extraordinary growth since our first distribution in 2021, and we want to expand our ability to serve Central PA. The only way we can accomplish this is by sharing with members of the community the ways they can support us."

Those interested in attending a Lunch & Learn session can email Sarah Brennan <sbrennan@midwestfoodbank.org>.

About Midwest Food Bank Pennsylvania

Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based nonprofit founded in 2003 in Illinois that provides food at no cost to nonprofit agencies.  What began as a local effort founded on a family farm has grown to serve communities through multiple U.S. and international locations.  Since its origin, Midwest Food Bank has distributed food and relief supplies valued at more than $4.5 billion to help meet basic needs, including disaster response efforts that support communities during emergencies.  Powered by thousands of dedicated volunteers, Midwest Food Bank operates with exceptional efficiency, with more than 99 cents of every dollar going directly to hunger relief and disaster relief programs.  The organizations is a registered 501(c)(3) organization committed to serving all people with compassion and care, without discrimination.  As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition and providing disaster relief.  Our vision is to serve those in need with excellence, providing physical and spiritual nourishment.