Business Name: Midwest Food Bank, Arizona Division

Merilee Baptiste - Executive Director

 

How many years have you been in business? 8 Years

 

What product or service do you offer? 
As a faith-based organization, it is the mission of Midwest Food Bank to share the love of Christ by alleviating hunger and malnutrition locally and throughout the world and providing disaster relief; all without discrimination. Our vision is to provide industry-leading food relief to those in need while feeding them spiritually. Food for Non-Profits Hope Packs - weekend backpack meals for students Tender Mercies - instant rice & bean meal packed with protein and vitamins Disaster Relief

What makes your business different, competitive, or unique? 
Midwest Food Bank is a faith-based organization, serving the entire state of Arizona, and provides food and supplies free of charge to 280+ non-profits that we partner with.

What is the nicest thing a customer has ever said about your business? 
Often, our non-profit partners will be in tears when they pick up food from Midwest Food Bank because they are in awe that it is all free of charge. We enable these non-profits to fulfill their mission by helping those facing food insecurity. We are all servant-hearted and like-minded, just trying to do the Lord's work.

How has your business found value in your membership with the Gilbert Chamber? 
The Gilbert Chamber has been a wonderful resource for Midwest Food Bank to meet other local business owners and leaders to network with one another. The networking events and book clubs have been a tremendous help to learning about other businesses and meeting leaders who are interested in "giving back" to their community through volunteerism.

What motivates you professionally?

Setting goals and achieving them, especially knowing that the results are helping people in need.
 

My greatest success was navigating the pandemic during my first year as Executive Director of Midwest Food Bank.
 

My eyes are focused on God. I strive to be more like Him in all that I do. That begins with having an open mind, a loving heart, and a tireless work ethic. I've learned it is not my plan, rather His plan.
 

In my spare time, I like to workout at Burn Boot Camp and taking walks to enjoy the wonderful weather.