November 30, 2025
Dear editor;
On behalf of the entire Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry family, I would like to express our sincere gratitude to the many businesses and individuals who helped make this Thanksgiving season a success.
These past few months have been especially challenging for our community. Families have struggled with delayed SNAP benefits, the discontinuation of certain USDA food programs, and increased fear in our neighborhoods due to recent ICE activities. Rising inflation has also strained our pantry operations, just as it has affected households across our city.
Despite these hardships, and in the spirit of Marie Wilkinson herself, we remained committed to serving all who came to us in need. Each week, we have provided food to more than 40% more families than we assisted at this time last year. Our volunteers and staff worked tirelessly to meet weekly demand and to ensure that every family received a Holiday Box. Additionally, our high school program has expanded dramatically—from 160 bags of food distributed per month to more than 500 bags provided each week.
None of this would be possible without the generosity of our community. We are deeply humbled by the support shown through food drives, monetary donations, and volunteer hours. As we head into the winter months, we do not know what challenges may arise, but we are confident that—with this remarkable community—we are ready to meet them.
Anyone wishing to contribute can do so at www.mariewilkinsonfoodpantry.org.
Sincerely,
Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry, Annette Johnson, director; Anita Lewis, grants, compliance, and outreach