About Natalie Oswald, Director
“I’ve been volunteering at the food bank now for 20 years. They welcomed me with warm hearts, open arms, lots of laughter, and oh yeah, lots of work! Working with Fran and all the volunteers has truly been a blessing to me. It wasn’t until I spent the day with Fran, the previous director, and Mary, a volunteer for over 18 years, that I realized that I was actually homeless myself when I was a Junior in High School. Although, my parents and I lived in a motor home, we didn’t have an address, therefore we were homeless, like many of our clients. My parents did a great job of making me feel safe and more like it was an adventure, than a bad time in our life. For that I’m very grateful. I can relate to our clients because I can see now how easily a few bad choices, an illness, or a loss of a job can change your whole living situation. I feel lucky that I get to meet some of the donors, experience their kindness, and then see how grateful our clients are when they receive those donations.
We celebrated our 30th year in 2023. Maltby Food Bank has come a long way because of our community. We gratefully thank you for everything you do to help care for our families. We are one of the best food banks I know. Thank you for your very caring hearts, help when needed, and your financial support.
Our goal has always been CLIENTS FIRST. It is our weekly focus to show everyone kindness and respect and to help them any way we can. We are able to provide staples, meat, dairy products, produce and items not covered with food stamps. Our local community and businesses help us each year to provide backpacks filled with school supplies, birthday bags for children 1-12, diapers and pet food. During the holidays you help provide food, senior gift cards, new toys, socks, hats and gloves. Thanks to everyone who donates turkeys and hams for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Once someone told Fran that we do too much for our families and her response was “would you trade places with any of them?” It is not our job to judge, but instead to help, encourage and listen…”
Director, Natalie
About Amber Oswald, Assistant Director
I’ve been volunteering at the Food Bank for 9 years. I’m a Dental Assistant by trade and have worked in customer service for over 17 years. Graduating with my bachelor’s degree in public health- Community Health and having grown up in a home that utilized food banks, I feel I can understand where our clients are coming from. Once the pandemic hit, I switched to working more at the Food Bank and taking on a more visible role. Working with our clients and making sure that we are able to continue providing them with services and food, is something that makes me feel I get to give back for the help I received as a child.