Community Matters: The Last Thing to Worry About
"The last thing they need to worry about is logistics. We can help with that." Glenn Bemis, Sisbro General Manager
This simple statement speaks volumes to how we operate our Midwest trucking business. We find a way and we make it work.
When it comes to our community, this is our home too. If there is a way we can help our neighbors, we do. In the fall of 2020, the way found us.
An Opportunity
Along with being General Manager of Sisbro, Glenn Bemis is the Past President and current Board Officer of the Quincy Family YMCA Board of Directors.
YMCA was positioned to be a vital USDA Farmers to Families Food Box Distribution site but needed help transporting over 30,000 pounds of food each week.
A Commitment
From the fall of 2020 through May of 2021, Sisbro provided this help.
There was inclement weather at times. An extra day occasionally was needed to complete distribution.
Luckily, we know logistics. It requires not only recognizing issues in the present but also potential ones in the future. It's a challenge to see all the moving parts and how they best work together.
We were fortunate to work with a team that made all the moving parts work each week. This included YMCA staff, United Systems Rental, Sunbelt Rental, Quincy Public Schools, and dedicated volunteers.
Food boxes were also distributed in Adams County by volunteers from these organizations:
- Salvation Army
- Community Cupboard (Mendon),
- Community Center For Christ Assistance Center (Camp Point)
- Bethel AMC Church
- Atrium Hotel
- Horizons
- Liberty Christian Church
In addition to food boxes, the Adams County Health Department brought the mobile Wellness Express and offered free vaccines.
To best serve the community, weekly distributions kept convenience in mind. Food boxes were distributed via a drive-through service where volunteers loaded the boxes directly into participants' vehicles; no ID required, no questions asked. The effort was massive but the goal was always simple and clear—help individuals and families who could use a little support.
The Impact
Boxes averaged 30 pounds each and contained a variety of meat, dairy, fruits, vegetables, and a gallon of milk. Over the months, 18,988 food boxes were distributed for a total of approximately 569,940 pounds of food being shared with our community.
Throughout the distributions, the phenomenal response brought out the best in our neighbors. It proved the power of social media as well. Posts from the Sisbro Facebook page were shared over 130 times and reached over 18,500 people in April and May. Comments on Facebook encouraged us too: "Such a great community outreach event, " Amanda L. and " I have been getting boxes for the elderly who can’t get there- thanks," Judy P.
The Future
From May 2020 to May 2021, more than 155 million food boxes were delivered across the United States through the Farmers to Families Food Box program.
With such a positive response, why would this program end?
From the USDA, "Farmers to Families Food Box program was designed and implemented as a temporary, emergency relief effort to respond to severe market disruption caused by a global pandemic. The condition of our economy has continued to improve since the start of the year. Thanks to investments by Congress, food insecure Americans now have greater access to a more robust, expanded federal nutrition safety net."
Rest assured, we look forward to helping our neighbors if the need arises again and the opportunity is the right fit.
Until then, we're happy to share local resources in the Quincy, IL area that may be able to help. If you need a little support or know someone in need, please share the resources below!
Again, we are honored to be a small part of this amazing community program. Thank you to the YMCA, all the partner organizations, volunteers, social media fans, and everyone who made the Farmers to Families Food Box Distributions a success!
Quincy Family YMCA staff and volunteers sharing smiles and food boxes with our community.
Resources
Work where YOU matter! 30+ years in the trucking industry and we're still growing! Logistics depends on dedicated Drivers, Dispatchers, Mechanics, Trailer Technicians, and a variety of departments (Accounting, Safety, Customer Service) working together as a team. If you have these skills and thrive in a fast-paced environment, email recruitsibi@shke.com to find out about current openings. CDL-A Drivers can check out our current lanes and benefits or call our recruiting team direct at 866-474-7276.
Find Food IL Community Food Map
An interactive map to find places offering free food or meals. You can find stores and markets that accept SNAP/LINK or WIC coupons too. Nearby DHS and WIC offices are also listed. Locations and hours of operation are subject to change; please call ahead to verify the days and hours of operation.
Two Rivers Regional Council of Public Officials
TRRC provides a wide range of direct services to low and moderate-income families in Adams, Brown, Pike, and Schuyler counties in Illinois. Services include emergency shelter and meals, rent, utilities, food, furniture, clothing, scholarships, youth services, weatherization, small business loan program, and much more.
United Way of Adams County, IL Community Service Directory
United Way's Community Service Directory provides contact information for local organizations offering health care, housing, food, utility and rent assistance, senior services, substance abuse programs, and legal services.
United Way's Adams County Food Pantries/Free Meal Sites Calendar
About Sisbro
Our family trucking heritage goes back to the late 1950s with one truck and a trailer. Sisbro was formed in the 1980s and still reflects our family values: Sisbro, a combination of sister and brother. The business grew and, in 1990, we joined an organization to grow our customer base and take advantage of new technology. We kept the name Sisbro and still maintain our identity as a family business.
Based in Quincy, Illinois, our primary focus is serving customers in a 17 state Midwest region. Expanded coverage is also available upon request. We offer a variety of transportation, trucking, warehouse, and dock services to serve our customers. This includes regular contract trucking services and dedicated driver and equipment operations. Perishables, building materials, general commodities, and animal feed are just some products we transport.
Our fleet has grown with outstanding driver personnel behind the wheel and support staff in our office. This dedicated team is the key to our continued success and will be vital to our growth. Plans include fleet expansion with experienced personnel. This will enable us to continue to provide the high standard of service our customers have come to expect from Sisbro.
