University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign alumnus Eric Hodel didn’t begin his career expecting to lead one of the nation’s largest faith-based food banks. But the journey from his childhood on a Central Illinois farm to his current role as CEO of Midwest Food Bank makes one thing clear: Agriculture and serving his community have always been central to his story.  

“I was born and raised on a farm, and I watched my parents volunteer, work incredibly hard, and give back to our community,” Hodel said. “That mindset was ingrained in me.” 

Hodel’s journey began at the U. of I., where he studied agricultural and biological engineering. As a student, he found purpose not only in the classroom, but also through experiences on campus. He served as the vice president of the American Society of Agricultural Engineers, where he discovered early on what it meant to be entrusted with responsibility and leadership.  

“I didn’t realize at the time how much those experiences would shape me,” he said. “But the university gave me a foundation as an academic and as a leader.” 

After graduating, Hodel launched a 20-year career at Caterpillar. While working for the company, he had roles in engineering, product support, marketing, and dealer service. One of his proudest moments came during a four-year effort to turn a product around, which significantly improved profitability and restored market share. Still, a deeper question remained: What comes next? 

“I began to feel a deeper calling to serve in a way that honored my Lord and gave back,” he said.  

That calling pulled him back to his family farm in Metamora and to the world of nonprofit work. In 2017, Hodel began working for Midwest Food Bank, which was founded in 2003 by a McLean County farm family. Their drive was to share the abundance of the agricultural community with those in need, and that mission remains central to the Midwest Food Bank.  

Today, Hodel’s dual roles of CEO of the food bank and farmer for his family’s corn and soybean operation mirror each other in meaningful ways. 

“In agriculture, it’s about feeding the world,” Hodel said. “At Midwest Food Bank, it’s about feeding people who can’t always feed themselves.”  

Hodel highlights that both of these goals require faith, resilience, and a belief in doing what’s right, even when the results aren’t immediate. 

That faith, both spiritual and practical, is evident in his leadership style. “On the farm, you can do everything right, but it is still up to God to give you the rain. In nonprofit work, there is a definite element of trust and faith that the food and the funding will come. And time and again, they do.” 

With Hodel guiding the organization, Midwest Food Bank has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, serving a growing network of nonprofit partners. The organization distributes nearly $525 million worth of nutritious food every year to those facing food insecurity. From truckloads of cereal to its signature Tender Mercies meals — which are dietitian-designed rice and bean meals fortified with protein, vitamins, and minerals — Midwest Food Bank is committed to nourishing communities and sharing hope. 

Yet for Hodel, success isn’t just measured in the pounds of food they deliver. For him, success is in the people that Midwest Food Bank serves and those who serve the organization.  

“Culture eats strategy for lunch,” Hodel said. “We look for humility, teamwork, and forward momentum. We want progress over perfection.”   

That culture is also deeply rooted in the values of the agricultural community. Hodel explains that many of the food bank’s volunteers and donors come from farming backgrounds. Some farmers who drive semis during harvest season use those same CDLs to deliver food. Others donate extra produce or even make direct grain donations.  

“We see again and again that farmers want to give back, and their intentions intersect with Midwest Food Bank,” Hodel said. “It’s part of who they are. Their mindset isn’t to throw food away. It’s to find out who this can feed.” 

That spirit of giving ties back to Hodel’s academic journey as well. The College of ACES played a key role in preparing Hodel for a career of service and leadership, and he remains connected to the campus. Hodel served on the Department of Animal Sciences advisory board and is now excited to see his son pursue a degree in Agricultural Education, Leadership and Communications in the College of ACES. 

“I’ve been incredibly blessed,” Hodel said. “I went to a great university, met a great group of friends, and got a great degree. My mentors saw potential in me, and ACES gave me solid springboards that I could use as I moved through my career.” 

Now, he’s creating those same springboards for others.

Whether you’re a U. of I. graduate looking to reconnect with your university, an undergraduate student navigating your path, or a community member looking to give back, Eric Hodel’s journey to serve his community is inspiring. His story is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when education, agriculture, and service come together. 

If you’re inspired by Hodel’s story, consider supporting the organizations that shaped it. A gift to Midwest Food Bank helps deliver nutritious meals to those who need them most. A contribution to the College of ACES can help inspire and empower the next generation of leaders that will continue to build strong, lasting communities.