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Message from the Director
Marie's Volunteers are busy busy busy at the pantry as you can imagine! The week before Thanksgiving is always full of excitement. Thank you for the generous support, allowing us to share the abundance with households most in need. In spite of the very real effects of inflation, with rising costs both at the pantry and in our local community, we're still going strong nourishing our neighbors —thanks to you!

What's coming? Giving Tuesday! This global day of generosity that will take place on November 29, 2022, unleashing the power of radical generosity to transform communities and the world. It's an opportunity for people around the world to come together to thank, help, give, show kindness, and share what they have with those in need. 

People can show their generosity in a variety of ways —whether it’s helping a neighbor, advocating for an issue, sharing a skill, or giving to causes—everyone has something to give and every act of generosity counts.
As 'Black Friday' and 'Cyber Monday' shopping begins, remember to start your online shopping at our Amazon Smile link. A percentage of purchases supports the pantry.

Happy Thanksgiving from our Family to Yours!

Sincerely,

Diane Renner
Executive Director
Expanding Pantry Programs

Consider supporting our excellent programs in your #GivingTuesday plans!
Cooking Classes a Success!
Cooking Classes at Marie's Pantry & Gardens broke all the records this year! Expanding nutrition education to weekly classes for pantry guests and friends is a true delight.

Local chefs and nutritionist partnerships teach our community how to transform fresh and homegrown produce into healthy, delicious meals.

When the pandemic started in 2020, Marie's Pantry partnered with VNA Nutritionist Deepa to bring healthy cooking class videos to our senior guests at home. (Building 'CommUnity Immunity' starts with a foundation of healthy bodies!).

Student Food Days
Thankful for restarting 'Student Food Days' at East Aurora High School! Twice per month, students receive a variety of groceries to share with their households.

Volunteers like Dick Schindel, Ginger Neenan and the Aurora's Retired Teachers Association are the engine that keeps this innovative program running smooth.

'Student Food Day' is a worthwhile cause to support on #GivingTuesday November 29th!
Pet Food Days
Thankful for 'Pet Food Days', serving the furry members of our community every second and fourth weeks of the month!

Gerri Vaughn of 'Bruno's Pro-Bono Pet Pantry' joins us to ensure household pets have the nutrition they need to stay healthy. Her dedication is so inspiring.

Thanks for supporting creative programs of compassion like this!
Local Farm Partners
Thankful for local Farm Partners like Ed Huss! While delivering fresh eggs from his chicken farm to add protein to our guests plates, Ed also takes pantry food scraps back to feed his chickens.

Sustainability-minded relationships like these are critical to keeping food scrap nutrients out of landfills.

Compost is returned to local farm fields where they nourish the soil. The soil grows the food that nourishes the people!
Food Rescue Drivers
Thankful for Marie's Food Rescue driving team! Volunteers pitch in to make 40+ weekly trips to local grocery stores.

Fresh produce, deli, dairy, frozen meats and baked goods are brought to the pantry, where volunteers sort goods to share with guests three times a week.

Your support provides the FUEL for Marie's Pantry food rescue drivers, the CORE ENGINE of our sustainability. This critical program provides 80% of food served, keeping purchasing costs at a minimum.
Thankful for YOU!

Donors and Volunteers like YOU make it possible to expand the reach of our wonderful programs to households most in need of support. Every gift matters - thank you for considering Marie Wilkinson Food Pantry in your Giving Tuesday plans!!