Board President Annette Johnson recognized at citywide fundraiserBoard President Annette Johnson recognized at citywide fundraiser

District 131 Board of Education President Annette Johnson was recognized by the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry (MWFP) at their annual Sunday Brunch Fundraiser, “Fill the Bowls” on October 27 at Gaslite Manor Banquets.

MWFP Board President Ms. Theodia Gillespie presented Johnson with the award, a miniature version of the life-size bronze statue of Marie Wilkinson, found at the west entrance of the Santori Public Library.

Our Tomcats were well-represented at the fundraiser, as East High students from the Culinary Team were one of more than 20 Fox Valley restaurants serving delicious food to over 400 guests at the event. Students served crepes and strawberry kale smoothies. The East High’s NJROTC cadets were also on hand, assisting with clearing tables and helping guests enjoy the day.

Johnson was honored with the Pantry’s annual “Leadership Award” for her efforts in developing a food rescue program in East Aurora District 131 and for helping to open the Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry’s east side location, now located at East High. You can read more about the East Aurora food rescue program on this website. 

Through the food rescue program, donations of fresh produce, deli, dairy, frozen meats and baked goods are brought in by food rescue volunteer drivers from 40 locations each week.

The work of food rescue volunteers makes it possible to share food with more than 12,000 pantry guests at the lowest possible cost, just $24 dollars per person, per year.

The Food Pantry at East High opened in February, 2018, and through a unique food pantry partnership, East Aurora High School and Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry serve East High students on the 2nd & 4th Thursdays of the month, as well as serving the community on Saturday mornings from 9 to 11 a.m., at the East High location.

“Cathy Ferrel, Diane Renner, Theodia Gillespie, and all the volunteers, are truly Marie Wilkinson’s ‘adopted angels’ on earth now,” said Johnson, as she accepted the award. “Every day, our students are so appreciative for the work that Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry has done.” 

According to Feeding America, which runs 200 food banks across the country, more and more schools are opening permanent or mobile food pantries. In 2017, 1,141 schools ran food pantries on their grounds, up from 834 the year before.

Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry also recognized Mr. Dick Schindel, president of the Retired Teachers Association, for his help in organizing volunteers for “Student Food Day” at East Aurora High School.

Funds raised from the event will support food rescue volunteers, who work with more than 40 local grocery store donors to end food waste and nourish area households.