Midwest Food Bank Welcomes Seasoned Community Leader as New Executive Director

Midwest Food Bank has announced the appointment of Mike Swartz as the new executive director of its Bloomington-Normal division. Swartz, a familiar face in the local agricultural community, brings over two decades of experience leading the McLean County Farm Bureau and the McLean County Fair.

Empowering the Community through Food Assistance and Advocacy

Leveraging Extensive Community Connections

As the manager of the McLean County Farm Bureau and the McLean County Fair for the past 20 years, Mike Swartz has established a strong network of relationships with community leaders, local governments, and the agricultural sector. This extensive community involvement has equipped him with a deep understanding of the region's needs and the ability to navigate the complex landscape of local politics and stakeholder interests. Swartz's appointment to the Midwest Food Bank's leadership team is a strategic move that aims to leverage his extensive community connections to further the organization's mission of providing food assistance and advocating for food security.

Driving Educational Initiatives for a Thriving Community

During his tenure at the McLean County Farm Bureau, Swartz spearheaded several educational initiatives that have had a lasting impact on the local community. He led the McLean County Ag in the Classroom program, which aimed to educate students about the importance of agriculture and its role in their daily lives. Additionally, he played a pivotal role in the McLean County Farm Bureau Foundation, where he championed initiatives that promoted agricultural literacy and supported the next generation of farmers and food producers. Swartz's commitment to education and community engagement will be invaluable as he transitions into his new role at Midwest Food Bank, where he will undoubtedly continue to drive impactful initiatives that empower and inform the community.

Advancing the Midwest Food Bank's Mission

"We are thankful to have Mike join the Midwest Food Bank family and leadership team," said Eric Hodel, CEO of Midwest Food Bank. "His broad community connections and years of experience equip him well to advance the Midwest Food Bank mission." Swartz's appointment comes at a critical time, as the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated food insecurity and increased the demand for the services provided by organizations like Midwest Food Bank. With his deep understanding of the local community and his proven track record of effective leadership, Swartz is poised to guide the Bloomington-Normal division of Midwest Food Bank in its efforts to address the growing need for food assistance and to advocate for sustainable solutions to food insecurity.

Embracing a New Challenge with Enthusiasm

"It's an honor to continue serving this community in a new capacity, and I look forward to building on the strong foundation already in place," Swartz said, expressing his enthusiasm for the new role. His transition from the agricultural sector to the food assistance industry represents a natural progression, as he will be able to leverage his expertise and connections to drive positive change and make a meaningful impact on the lives of those in need. Swartz's commitment to community service and his passion for addressing food-related challenges make him an ideal fit for the Midwest Food Bank's leadership team, and his appointment is a testament to the organization's dedication to empowering local communities and addressing the complex issue of food insecurity.